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Tomorrow, the Ontario breast screening program at Chedoke Hospital is hosting its first ever Mammothon, and they want to help people face their fear of getting screened.

A mammothon is exactly what it sounds like. They want to screen as many people as possible in one day. But a lot of women shy away from getting their first mammogram because they think it will be awkward or painful. Elise Copps got some first hand experience to show you the ropes.

“So every woman in the province is invited but the participation rate is somewhere around 66%” said Patti-Ann Allen, a cancer screening manager.

Dr. Dan Franic, a radiologist with Hamilton Health Sciences, says getting your first screening early, at age 50, gives doctors a better chance at detecting problematic changes in your breasts.

“We need to have a baseline to understand what you look like today so we can perceive any possible changes that could be very subtle.”

Getting that baseline image involves wearing a moderately unflattering robe and answering a few questions about your family history. Then for the part most people are afraid of, a technician will situate you in the scanner and yes, 2 plates will press down on your breast until it’s compressed enough to get a useful image.

“By squeezing the breast, we’re able to spread it open. And by doing that we kind of keep the branches of the tree together and we can also distribute them and that way things can stand out between the branches so we can actually find something.”

The experience was uncomfortable, but not painful. Everyone experiences it differently.

On Wednesday, Chedoke Hospital’s breast screening program wants women to see for themselves, no appointment required. Anyone eligible for a mammogram is welcome and first timers will get a special certificate to celebrate.  Hamiltonhealthsciences.ca

In Ontario, mammograms are recommended routinely for patients between age 50 and 74, or younger people at high risk.