Ontario Breast Screening Program

Please note, a referral is not required to participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program, which recommends mammography every 2 years for most women, trans and nonbinary people aged 50 to 74. You can self refer through your local OBSP office. For a list of locations and their contact information, view Ontario Breast Screening Program Locations or call 1-866-662-9233.

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Most Breast Concerns are Benign

While most breast-related concerns are not caused by breast cancer, it is still important to participate in routine breast screening and report any changes to your health care provider. For patients who have breast concerns, but are not eligible or are not due for routine screening, further assessment is always warranted. If you are due for routine screening, but have noticed a change or abnormality, you should still be assessed to determine if further imaging needs to be arranged, in addition to mammography. Common breast concerns include:

• Breast lumpiness

• Single breast lumps

• Breast pain or tenderness

• Nipple discharge (non-lactational)

• Nipple inversion (nipples point inward instead of outward) and that is new or unilateral

• Breast skin changes, such as redness or puckering

Breast changes can occur at any age. If you have any concerns, you should have a physical exam. Findings on the physical exam, along with factors such as a patient's age and family history, will help guide the Nurse Practitioner in determining next steps in assessment and management.

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