By Lori Larsen

Alberta Health Services Mobile Mammography Screening is once again returning to Camrose on April 25, 26, 27, 29 and 30 at the Max McLean Arena parking lot (4412-56 Street).

The mobile screening service has been available for the past 30 years by conveniently serving communities in order to save lives. The mobile unit provides women ages 45 to 74, those at most risk of developing breast cancer, local access to mammography services.

Appointments are required and can be booked by telephoning 1-800-667-0604 (toll free). You will require your Alberta Health Care Number for booking appointments.

Once you have booked your appointment, show up to the Max McLean parking lot where you will see the mobile unit parked.

The doors to the trailer will remain locked, so at the exact time of your appointment, you are asked to knock on the door or ring the doorbell located at the bottom left of the handrail.

You will be required to enter the trailer by way of stairs, so if you are in need of assistance maneuvering stairs, please let the scheduling clerk know when you make your appointment. Clients are asked to arrive alone for their appointments unless mobility assistance is required.

You will require your Alberta Health Care Card and identification for your appointment, and prior to your screening, a health assessment will be completed.

Clients are asked to refrain from using deodorants or creams prior to the appointment.

Screening mammograms are routine tests used to find early signs of cancer in those who have no breast problems or symptoms. They can detect changes in the breast that are too small to be felt by you or your physician.

One in seven women in Alberta will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Early detection with mammograms is one of the reasons that 90 per cent of patients are now surviving breast cancer.

It’s a little discomfort for some peace of mind, so book your mammogram.Your life could depend on it.