On July 1, 2011, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) will expand to include screening for women aged 30 to 69 at high risk for breast cancer at 19 high risk screening centres across the province. Eligible women will be able to have annual MRI and breast mammography as well as genetic assessment and testing, if required, on referral by their physician.
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), in partnership with the Centre for Effective Practice (CEP), has developed Provider Education Tools to support the newly expanded Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). These tools will assist healthcare providers to understand their roles and responsibilities in screening women at high risk for breast cancer. In doing so, they will promote early detection of breast cancer, ensure patients receive the benefits of screening, and improve the quality of their care.
Provider education tools can be found online at www.cancercare.on.ca/obspresources and include the following:
- Requisition for High Risk Screening
- Summary of Evidence
- Provider Education Brochure
- Frequently Asked Questions
Referring a woman into the OBSP for High Risk Screening
To refer a woman to the program, Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners must complete the Requisition for High Risk Screening and send it to the OBSP high risk screening centre in their area. The form can be downloaded at www.cancercare.on.ca/obspresources. Please note, a physician must sign the form as it is a requisition for genetic assessment (if required), mammography and MRI. Women who meet any of the criteria on the requisition form should be referred to the OBSP. Depending on the criteria met, a woman may be booked directly for breast screening MRI and mammography upon their referral to the OBSP. If a woman requires confirmation of high risk status through a genetic assessment, the OBSP will work with a local genetics clinic to book an appointment.
Benefits and services of the newly expanded OBSP
The introduction of combined breast screening MRI and mammography for women, aged 30 to 69 years, who are at high risk for breast cancer into the OBSP will extend the advantages of organized screening to these women, thereby improving their quality of care and promoting the early detection of breast cancer.
If you require any further information, please contact Cancer Care Ontario at: [email protected].
