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Breast Cancer Screening Letters

Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) mails letters to people who qualify for screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) inviting them to get screened for breast cancer, giving them information about breast cancer screening and telling them how to find an OBSP location.

We also send letters to participants ages 40 to 74 reminding them when to get screened again and telling them their result if it is normal. Normal and abnormal screening results are sent to a participant’s doctor or nurse practitioner. The breast screening sites also make sure participants get the tests they need if they have abnormal screening results.

If you are age 40 to 49, we encourage you to make an informed decision about whether breast cancer screening is right for you. You will not receive a letter inviting you to get screened. Go to Breast Cancer Screening for People Ages 40 to 49: What You Need to Know for more information and resources.

Cancer screening letters are sent in English and French. If you would like to change your preferred language, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-268-1154.

Types of Letters

Invitation Letters

We send letters inviting people to start screening when they turn 50 years old.

Recall Letters

We send recall letters reminding average risk participants when it is time to get screened again if they qualify.   

Reminder Letters

In some situations, letters are sent to remind participants about getting screened.

Normal Result Letters

We tell participants (with or without a family doctor or nurse practitioner) when they have a normal result and when to get screened again. If there is a change in your family history of cancer or you notice possible symptoms of cancer, you are asked to see your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

For information on breast density, see the Breast (Chest) Density Fact Sheet. This fact sheet is sent with all normal result letters to inform people about breast density.

Privacy Notice

The privacy notice tells you about our cancer screening programs and how your information is protected.

Samples of Letters

Invitation letter

July 29, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing to invite you to get checked for breast cancer with a mammogram.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario and most people diagnosed with it have no family history of the disease. Your chance of getting breast cancer goes up as you get older.

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment has a better chance of working. A mammogram takes X-ray pictures of the breast and can find tissue changes that are too small to feel or see. Mammograms are safe, free and you do not need an order from a doctor to get one.

Please make an appointment for your mammogram as soon as you can at an Ontario Breast Screening Program location. To find contact information, mammogram wait times and hours of operation for locations in your area, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-screening-locations or call 1.800.668.9304.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


How well do mammograms work?

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early and lower the chance of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms are not perfect. They may miss some breast cancers and a cancer could start to grow in the time between mammograms. To learn more about the potential benefits and potential harms of mammograms, talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner, or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast.

What happens during a mammogram?

A medical radiation technologist (someone who is trained to take mammograms) will place one breast at a time on the mammography machine. A plastic plate will move down slowly to hold the breast tissue in place. There will be some pressure for a few seconds, which does not harm the tissue. Mammogram appointments usually take about 15 minutes.

What does an abnormal result mean?

Although most people will have a normal mammogram result, some people will have an abnormal result. Having an abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it does mean you need to get more tests. Only 1 out of 10 people with an abnormal result will have breast cancer.

How do I know if I qualify to get checked for breast cancer?

Women, Two-Spirit people, trans people and nonbinary people ages 40 to 74 qualify for a mammogram if they have no breast cancer symptoms, have no personal history of breast cancer and have not had a mastectomy. Transfeminine people must have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row to qualify.

Are there any recommendations on getting checked for breast cancer based on my race, ethnicity or Indigeneity?

While there is not enough research to make recommendations based on race, ethnicity or Indigeneity, it is important to understand the research that does exist before deciding whether to get a mammogram. For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-cancer-differences.

How can I learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program?

Visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or toll-free at 1.866.662.9233.


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OBSPINV0825

Recall letter – 1 year recall

July 29, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing because it is time for you to get checked for breast cancer with a mammogram.

Based on our records, your last mammogram was in OCT/24. Please call the Ontario Breast Screening Program location where you got your last mammogram (OBSP SAMPLE SITE) at 222.333.4444 ext. 1 as soon as you can to make an appointment. If you want to find a different location, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-screening-locations.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario and most people diagnosed with it have no family history of the disease. Your chance of getting breast cancer goes up as you get older.

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment has a better chance of working. A mammogram takes X-ray pictures of the breast and can find tissue changes that are too small to feel or see. Mammograms are safe, free and you do not need an order from a doctor to get one.

Make an appointment for your mammogram as soon as you can to help protect your health.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


How well do mammograms work?

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early and lower the chance of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms are not perfect. They may miss some breast cancers and a cancer could start to grow in the time between mammograms. To learn more about the potential benefits and potential harms of mammograms, talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner, or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast.

What happens during a mammogram?

A medical radiation technologist (someone who is trained to take mammograms) will place one breast at a time on the mammography machine. A plastic plate will move down slowly to hold the breast tissue in place. There will be some pressure for a few seconds, which does not harm the tissue. Mammogram appointments usually take about 15 minutes.

What does an abnormal result mean?

Although most people will have a normal mammogram result, some people will have an abnormal result. Having an abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it does mean you need to get more tests. Only 1 out of 10 people with an abnormal result will have breast cancer.

How do I know if I qualify to get checked for breast cancer?

Women, Two-Spirit people, trans people and nonbinary people ages 40 to 74 qualify for a mammogram if they have no breast cancer symptoms, have no personal history of breast cancer and have not had a mastectomy. Transfeminine people must have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row to qualify.

Are there any recommendations on getting checked for breast cancer based on my race, ethnicity or Indigeneity?

While there is not enough research to make recommendations based on race, ethnicity or Indigeneity, it is important to understand the research that does exist before deciding whether to get a mammogram. For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-cancer-differences.

How can I learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program?

Visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or toll-free at 1.866.662.9233.


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OBSPRCL1YR0825

Recall letter – 2 year recall

July 29, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing because it is time for you to get checked for breast cancer with a mammogram.

Based on our records, your last mammogram was in OCT/23. Please call the Ontario Breast Screening Program location where you got your last mammogram (OBSP SAMPLE SITE) at 222.333.4444 ext. 1 as soon as you can to make an appointment. If you want to find a different location, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-screening-locations.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario and most people diagnosed with it have no family history of the disease. Your chance of getting breast cancer goes up as you get older.

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early, when treatment has a better chance of working. A mammogram takes X-ray pictures of the breast and can find tissue changes that are too small to feel or see. Mammograms are safe, free and you do not need an order from a doctor to get one.

Make an appointment for your mammogram as soon as you can to help protect your health.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


How well do mammograms work?

Getting regular mammograms is the best way to find breast cancer early and lower the chance of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms are not perfect. They may miss some breast cancers and a cancer could start to grow in the time between mammograms. To learn more about the potential benefits and potential harms of mammograms, talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner, or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast.

What happens during a mammogram?

A medical radiation technologist (someone who is trained to take mammograms) will place one breast at a time on the mammography machine. A plastic plate will move down slowly to hold the breast tissue in place. There will be some pressure for a few seconds, which does not harm the tissue. Mammogram appointments usually take about 15 minutes.

What does an abnormal result mean?

Although most people will have a normal mammogram result, some people will have an abnormal result. Having an abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it does mean you need to get more tests. Only 1 out of 10 people with an abnormal result will have breast cancer.

How do I know if I qualify to get checked for breast cancer?

Women, Two-Spirit people, trans people and nonbinary people ages 40 to 74 qualify for a mammogram if they have no breast cancer symptoms, have no personal history of breast cancer and have not had a mastectomy. Transfeminine people must have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row to qualify.

Are there any recommendations on getting checked for breast cancer based on my race, ethnicity or Indigeneity?

While there is not enough research to make recommendations based on race, ethnicity or Indigeneity, it is important to understand the research that does exist before deciding whether to get a mammogram. For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-cancer-differences.

How can I learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program?

Visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or toll-free at 1.866.662.9233.


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy

OBSPRCL2YR0825

Normal result letter – 1 year recall

July 29, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY ST.
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/25. I am pleased to tell you that your mammogram did not show any signs of breast cancer.

Also, your mammogram showed that your breast (chest) density is «Breast Density BI-RADS Category». To learn more about breast (chest) density, see the fact sheet that came with this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-density.

Your next mammogram will be in 1 year due to:

  • «One Yr Recall Reason»

We will send you a reminder to make an appointment for your next mammogram.

Please talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice any changes in your breasts or if you have questions about your result. If a doctor or nurse practitioner ordered your mammogram, a copy of your result was sent to them.

To learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or toll-free at 1.866.662.9233.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy.

OBSPNTFN1YRDB0825

Normal result letter – 2 year recall

July 29, 2025

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/25. I am pleased to tell you that your mammogram did not show any signs of breast cancer.

Also, your mammogram showed that your breast (chest) density is «Breast Density BI-RADS Category». To learn more about breast (chest) density, see the fact sheet that came with this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-density.

Your next mammogram will be in 2 years. We will send you a reminder to make an appointment for your next mammogram.

Please talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice any changes in your breasts or if you have questions about your result. If a doctor or nurse practitioner ordered your mammogram, a copy of your result was sent to them.

To learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or toll-free at 1.866.662.9233.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy.

OBSPNTFN2YR0825

Normal result letter – no recall

July 29, 2025

 

JANE SAMPLE
123 ANY STREET
ANY CITY, ON M1M 1M1

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/25. I am pleased to tell you that your mammogram did not show any signs of breast cancer.

Also, your mammogram showed that your breast (chest) density is «Breast Density BI-RADS Category». To learn more about breast (chest) density, see the fact sheet that came with this letter or visit ontariohealth.ca/breast-density.

Please talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice any changes in your breasts or if you have questions about your result. If a doctor or nurse practitioner ordered your mammogram, a copy of your result was sent to them.

It is not clear whether getting mammograms after age 74 helps your health, which is why the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) stops sending letters reminding people over 74 to get mammograms. We encourage you to talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner to decide whether you should get mammograms in the future. If you decide to get more mammograms, a doctor or nurse practitioner will need to order them for you. If you decide to stop getting mammograms, this will be the last letter you get from the OBSP.

For more information about the OBSP, visit ontariohealth.ca/breast, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, BScN, MHSc
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir cette lettre personnalisée en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

To stop getting screening letters, fill out the Participant Information Form at ontariohealth.ca/screening-letters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit ontariohealth.ca/screening-privacy.

OBSPNTFNNR0825

Correspondence privacy notice

Why you are getting this letter

You are getting this letter because you have been invited to do a cancer screening test or you are waiting for a cancer screening test result. Cancer screening is testing done on someone who may have a higher chance of getting cancer based on factors like their age or family health history, but who has no symptoms and generally feels well. Regular cancer screening is important because it can find cancer early when treatment has a better chance of working. The purpose of this letter is to let you know how your personal health information is used as part of Ontario Health’s cancer screening programs and how your privacy is protected.

Why we collect personal health information

Ontario Health, an agency of the Ministry of Health, manages cancer screening programs for colon, breast, and cervical cancer (ColonCancerCheck, the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the Ontario Cervical Screening Program). These programs use personal health information under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), Ontario’s health privacy law. The programs use this information to help improve finding cancer early, such as by sending letters inviting people to get screened. Ontario Health acts according to PHIPA while collecting and using personal health information.

How we collect and store personal health information

Under PHIPA, Ontario’s health privacy law, Ontario Health collects secured personal health information from health care facilities, labs, the Ministry of Health, and health professionals such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Ontario Health stores personal health information in a safe and secure Ontario cancer screening database. This database can only be seen by our authorized employees who are required to follow our privacy policies.

How we use personal health information

  • We send letters inviting people to get screening tests.
  • We give people their screening test results.
  • We remind people when it is time to get another screening test.
  • We make improvements to the Ontario cancer screening programs.

How to stop getting letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)

At any time, you can ask us to stop sending you cancer screening letters. To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the Cancer Screening Programs: Participant Information Form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters under the “Privacy & Alternative Format” tab or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. Print the form and fax or mail it back.

To learn more about the screening program privacy rules at Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), call 1.866.662.9233, visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi or email cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca.


Need this information in an accessible format? 1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Pour obtenir ce document en français, appelez le 1.866.662.9233. Pour recevoir toutes les lettres de dépistage futures en français, contactez ServiceOntario au 1.800.268.1154 et changer votre langue préférée.

CSPN0721