Enhanced Access to Breast Screening in Labrador West

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to advise that a breast screening satellite centre, which is part of the provincial breast screening program, has launched at the Labrador West Health Centre in Labrador City. 

“Accessibility to health services is an important determinant of health,” says Dr. Nancy Wadden, medical director for the provincial breast screening program. “With this expansion of services in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone, we are helping people achieve the best possible health outcomes by increasing access to services, regardless of one’s geographic location within the province, which can lead to earlier detection and a simpler treatment pathway.” 

This is the second satellite breast screening centre to launch in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone. Happy Valley-Goose Bay launched a centre in February of 2023. 

The breast screening program offers screening mammography (breast X-rays) to women aged 50-74 years at five sites in the province (St. John’s, Gander, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and, most recently, in Labrador West). The program also provides breast navigation services from abnormal mammogram results to further follow-up.  

On May 14, 2024, the Provincial Government announced changes to the age requirements for breast cancer screening. This is good news for patients, and we are working with the Department of Health and Community Services to ensure the proper resources are in place to accommodate the change and additional patients. At this time, the current age requirements to access breast screening remain at age 50-74.  Further details, such as the date the change becomes effective, will be provided as more information becomes available. 

For more information on the breast screening program, the public are advised to visit: https://cancercare.easternhealth.ca/prevention-and-screening/breast-screening-program/ or call 1-800-414-3443 or 709-897-3116 to speak to a screening navigator. 

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