On October 8, 2024, the province changed its eligibility criteria so that people over the age of 40 can self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). This means an additional one million people now have the option to access important screening services to detect and treat breast cancer sooner.
If you are newly eligible, it’s natural for you to have questions about what this change means for you.
Kensington Health is a provider as part of the OBSP. Below, you’ll find information about the program and about Kensington Health’s diagnostic imaging clinic. Currently, our clinic does not have a waitlist for mammograms, which means you can get an appointment with us in the near future. You can book an appointment today.
Ontario Breast Screening Program: Expanded age range for screening
Cancer screening tests people who are at risk of getting cancer, but who have no symptoms. Your age and family medical history help determine when you should receive breast screening.
In October 2024, the OBSP lowered the starting age for screening from age 50 to age 40. This means that people ages 40 to 49 who are at average risk for breast cancer can now access regular mammography screening. If you're in this age group, the OBSP encourages you to talk with your family doctor, your nurse practitioner or a Health811 navigator to make an informed decision about whether breast cancer screening is right for you.
Who eligible for the OBSP?
The Ontario Breast Screening Program is now open to all eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people ages 40 to 74 who meet the following criteria:
- Have no new breast cancer symptoms
- Have no personal history of breast cancer
- Have not had a mastectomy
- Have not had a screening mammogram in the past 11 months
- Transfeminine people must have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row
If you’re not eligible under the OBSP, but are still interested in breast cancer screening, it’s a good idea to discuss options with your primary care provider.
Why early detection matters
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, and early detection through mammography can save lives. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that examines breast tissue to detect abnormalities such as growths, that may be too small to detect through physical examination. Detecting cancer in its early stages significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
You can learn more about your risk and receive a personal health action plan through Ontario Health’s MyCancerIQ assessment tool.
Booking an appointment at Kensington Health
Kensington Health offers comprehensive diagnostic imaging services, including mammograms through the OBSP. Here’s how you can access our services:
- Eligible individuals under the OBSP do not need a doctor’s referral to book a mammogram.
- There is currently no waitlist for mammograms at our clinic.
- To book an appointment, simply call us at 416-962-3202.
- Your appointment will be quick at easy – it should take just 15 minutes!
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, we’re a convenient, compassionate option for your diagnostic imaging service needs. We’re committed to providing timely care and results, and ready to help you take the next step toward protecting your breast health.
To learn more about our diagnostic imaging services, click here or contact us at 416-962-3202. We’re here to help!
Additional resources from Cancer Care Ontario:
- Breast Cancer Screening for People Ages 40 to 49: What You Need to Know
- Mammograms Frequently Asked Questions