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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 site.

We also send letters to participants ages 50 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.

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

February 16, 2024

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

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

I am writing to ask you to get screened for breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario. Finding breast cancer early means that treatment has a better chance of working.

Because you are between the ages of 50 and 74, you are encouraged to get screened with a mammogram as part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). For over 20 years, the OBSP has provided high-quality mammograms to Ontarians ages 50 to 74 through local clinics and hospitals across the province.

The best way to protect your health is by getting a mammogram every two years. A mammogram takes an X-ray picture of the breast and can find breast changes when they are too small to feel or see. You can book a mammogram appointment at your local OBSP site. To find a site, call 1.800.668.9304 or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsplocations.

Take the time to book your mammogram today.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is an organized screening program that is funded by the Ministry of Health and managed by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario). We also manage cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs for Ontarians with the goal of preventing cancer or finding it earlier when there is a better chance of successful treatment.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


GET THE FACTS

  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 years old. Even if you feel fine or no one in your family has had breast cancer, it is important to get screened.
  • Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
  • Most people will have normal mammogram results.
  • Most breast cancers are found in people age 50 and over.
  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 who qualify to get checked for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about the benefits and limitations of screening, or visit cancercareontario.ca/breastinfo.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (OBSP)

To learn more, visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you do not want to receive OBSP letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), complete the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call us at 1.866.662.9233.

You can change your mind at any time.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR MAMMOGRAM

Book your mammogram by contacting your local OBSP site. To find a site, call 1.800.668.9304 or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsplocations.

Ontarians ages 50 to 74 do not need a healthcare provider’s referral to book a mammogram through the OBSP.

Mammograms are free of charge for Ontarians.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Document disponible en français en contactant info@ontariohealth.ca

OBSPINV0224

Recall letter – 1 year recall

February 16, 2024

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

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

On behalf of Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), I would like to thank you for taking care of your health by having mammograms.

Based on our records, you are due for a mammogram because your last one was in APR/23. If you have not already done so, please call the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site where you were last screened (OBSP SAMPLE SITE) at 222.333.4444 ext. 1 to book an appointment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario. Because you are between the ages of 50 and 74, you are encouraged to get screened with a mammogram through the OBSP. Since 1990, the OBSP has provided mammograms to Ontarians ages 50 to 74 through local clinics and hospitals across the province.

A mammogram can find changes when they are too small to feel or see. Getting screened regularly is the best way to find breast cancer early and provides the best chance of successful treatment.

Take the time to book your mammogram today.

As an agency of the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) provides cancer screening programs to the people of Ontario.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


GET THE FACTS

  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 years old. Even if you feel fine or no one in your family has had breast cancer, it is important to get screened.
  • Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
  • Most people will have normal mammogram results.
  • Most breast cancers are found in people age 50 and over.
  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 who qualify to get checked for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about the benefits and limitations of screening, or visit cancercareontario.ca/breastinfo.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (OBSP)

To learn more, visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you do not want to receive OBSP letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), complete the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call us at 1.866.662.9233.

You can change your mind at any time.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR MAMMOGRAM

Call the OBSP site where you were last screened to schedule an appointment. This information is provided on the front page of this letter. For all site locations, call 1.800.668.9304 or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsplocations.

Ontarians ages 50 to 74 do not need a healthcare provider’s referral to book a mammogram through the OBSP.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Document disponible en français en contactant info@ontariohealth.ca

OBSPRCL1YR0224

Recall letter – 2 year recall

February 16, 2024

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

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

On behalf of Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), I would like to thank you for taking care of your health by having mammograms.

Based on our records, you are due for a mammogram because your last one was in APR/22. If you have not already done so, please call the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site where you were last screened (OBSP SAMPLE SITE) at 222.333.4444 ext. 1 to book an appointment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario. Because you are between the ages of 50 and 74, you are encouraged to get screened with a mammogram through the OBSP. Since 1990, the OBSP has provided mammograms to Ontarians ages 50 to 74 through local clinics and hospitals across the province.

A mammogram can find changes when they are too small to feel or see. Getting screened every two years is the best way to find breast cancer early and provides the best chance of successful treatment.

Take the time to book your mammogram today.

As an agency of the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) provides cancer screening programs to the people of Ontario.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


GET THE FACTS.

  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 years old. Even if you feel fine or no one in your family has had breast cancer, it is important to get screened.
  • Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
  • Most people will have normal mammogram results.
  • Most breast cancers are found in people age 50 and over.
  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 who qualify to get checked for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about the benefits and limitations of screening, or visit cancercareontario.ca/breastinfo.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (OBSP)

To learn more, visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp, or contact us at cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca or 1.866.662.9233 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you do not want to receive OBSP letters from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), complete the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call us at 1.866.662.9233.

You can change your mind at any time.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR MAMMOGRAM

Call the OBSP site where you were last screened to schedule an appointment. This information is provided on the front page of this letter. For all site locations, call 1.800.668.9304 or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsplocations.

Ontarians ages 50 to 74 do not need a healthcare provider’s referral to book a mammogram through the OBSP.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca
Document disponible en français en contactant info@ontariohealth.ca

OBSPRCL2YR0224

Normal result letter – 1 year recall

July 24, 2023

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

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/23. 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 cancercareontario.ca/breastdensity.

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.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


GET THE FACTS

  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 who qualify to get checked for breast cancer.
  • Most breast cancers are found in people age 50 and over.
  • It is important to get a mammogram, even if you feel healthy.
  • Most people will have normal mammogram results.

HOW WELL DO MAMMOGRAMS WORK?

Getting mammograms regularly is the best way for someone to lower their chances of dying from breast cancer.

Mammograms are not perfect. They may miss some breast cancers and someone could get cancer in the time between mammograms. This is why getting regular mammograms is important.

To learn more about the benefits and risks of mammograms, talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp.

WHY IS THE WORD “CHEST” SOMETIMES USED WHEN DESCRIBING THE BREASTS?

Some people, including trans men, transmasculine people and nonbinary people, may prefer the term “chest.” The term “breast” is still used to make sure this letter is clear for everyone.

HOW CAN I FIND A FAMILY DOCTOR OR NURSE PRACTITIONER IF I DO NOT HAVE ONE?

Contact Health811 by calling 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visiting ontario.ca/health811.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONTARIO BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (OBSP)?

Visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp, 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.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi.

OBSPNTFN1YRDB0723

Normal result letter – 2 year recall

July 24, 2023

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

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/23. 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 cancercareontario.ca/breastdensity.

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.

Sincerely,

Judy Linton, RN, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


GET THE FACTS

  • Mammograms are recommended for people ages 50 to 74 who qualify to get checked for breast cancer.
  • Most breast cancers are found in people age 50 and over.
  • It is important to get a mammogram, even if you feel healthy.
  • Most people will have normal mammogram results.

HOW WELL DO MAMMOGRAMS WORK?

Getting mammograms regularly is the best way for someone to lower their chances of dying from breast cancer.

Mammograms are not perfect. They may miss some breast cancers and someone could get cancer in the time between mammograms. This is why getting regular mammograms is important.

To learn more about the benefits and risks of mammograms, talk with a doctor or nurse practitioner or visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp.

WHY IS THE WORD “CHEST” SOMETIMES USED WHEN DESCRIBING THE BREASTS?

Some people, including trans men, transmasculine people and nonbinary people, may prefer the term “chest.” The term “breast” is still used to make sure this letter is clear for everyone.

HOW CAN I FIND A FAMILY DOCTOR OR NURSE PRACTITIONER IF I DO NOT HAVE ONE?

Contact Health811 by calling 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) or visiting ontario.ca/health811.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONTARIO BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM (OBSP)?

Visit cancercareontario.ca/obsp, 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.


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi.

OBSPNTFN2YR0723

Normal result letter – no recall

July 24, 2023

 

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

YOUR MAMMOGRAM RESULT

Dear JANE SAMPLE:

Thank you for getting a mammogram in JUL/23. 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 cancercareontario.ca/breastdensity.

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 cancercareontario.ca/obsp, 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, B.Sc.N, M.H.Sc.
Chief Nursing Executive, Ontario Health


Need this information in an accessible format?
1.877.280.8538  /  TTY 1.800.855.0511  |  info@ontariohealth.ca

To stop getting cancer screening letters, fill out the form at cancercareontario.ca/screeningletters or call 1.866.662.9233 to get a form. You may change your mind at any time.

Your privacy matters: visit cancercareontario.ca/screeningphi.

OBSPNTFNNR0723

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

ALLPN0721