Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP): who can book and how
If you're 40 to 74 with no breast symptoms, you can book an OHIP-covered screening mammogram at an Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) site without a referral. Call a site to book.
What the OBSP is
The OBSP is Ontario's province-wide breast screening program, run by Ontario Health. It offers screening mammograms at more than 240 locations. Screening is for people with no symptoms.
Who can book on their own
You can self-refer if you are 40 to 74 and have:
- No breast symptoms
- No personal history of breast cancer
- No breast implants
How often
- Ages 50 to 74: most people are advised to screen every 2 years.
- Ages 40 to 49: talk with your doctor, nurse practitioner or Health811 about whether screening is right for you. If you decide to screen, every 2 years is typical.
How to book
Call an OBSP location, or the program line at 1-800-668-9304. Bring your Ontario health card. Search NextAva for mammography clinics near you, and confirm the clinic is an OBSP site when you call.
When you need a referral
- Breast symptoms, such as a lump: see your doctor or nurse practitioner. That's diagnostic imaging, not screening, and needs a requisition.
- Over 74: you can continue through the OBSP with a referral from your provider.
- Higher risk (ages 30 to 69): the High Risk OBSP offers yearly mammograms plus MRI, with a referral from your provider.
- Breast implants or a personal history of breast cancer: talk to your provider about the right program.
Your results
The OBSP mails you a letter with normal results and when to return. Your provider also gets a copy. If you don't have a provider, the program connects you with one for follow-up. See how to get your test results.