Eligibility

Who is Eligible to use SMP?
If you are a B.C. woman between the ages of 40 and 79 with a health care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner or naturopath), you can book a screening mammogram directly through the Screening Mammography Program without a doctor’s referral.

You can't book directly if you:

have breast enhancements like implants or injections (see your doctor to arrange a mammogram)
are pregnant or breast-feeding (you can use SMP three months after completely finishing breast-feeding)
have a previous history of breast cancer
have any new breast complaints, such as a lump, nipple discharge (see your doctor immediately about any new problems)
have had a mammogram on both breasts in the last 12 months (you must wait at least a year before having another screening mammogram)

I have breast implants, can I participate in SMP?
Contact your health care provider to refer you for a screening mammogram at a diagnostic imaging office. With breast implants special positioning and possibly additional images are needed.

Can I use SMP if I'm under age 40?
Yes, if there are special circumstances that indicate a benefit for screening before age 40. Please consult your doctor. Routine screening is not recommended for women under age 40 because the risk of breast cancer is low. Also, screening mammograms are not as effective in detecting breast cancer in younger women because they usually have dense breasts. With dense breasts, it is difficult to detect breast cancer in an x-ray.

Why can't women over age 79 use SMP?
Screening mammograms are available to women over age 79, but they have to be arranged by a doctor. You should talk to your health care provider to discuss whether screening mammograms should remain part of your breast health routine.

In This Section

Eligibility