The Screen for Life Coach is making a return to northwestern Ontario following a COVID shortened 2020.
The mobile screening clinic for breast, cervical and colon cancer will visit 70 local communities this year.
The first stop is Dryden April 8-26.
Coordinator Lauren Beach says they are hoping for a strong turnout.
“With the initial shutdown and the unknowns last year with COVID, many people were putting their cancer screening off and we’re seeing people now who are overdue for screening. Which means that if there was something that needed attention, that it has now gone unchecked for a longer period of time and could result in a later stage diagnosis. So the point of routine screening is to come to us when you feel otherwise healthy so that we can monitor you from year-to-year and pick-up on small changes and treat them early.”
Beach says those who should take advantage of the free service include:
-Individuals who are 50 to 74 for breast and colorectal cancer
-Individuals who are 21 to 69 for cervical cancer
You don’t need a referral from a health care professional if you fall under one of those categories.
However an appointment is required by calling 1-800-461-7031.
Beach says a number of COVID preventative measures are in place to ensure the safety of both clients and staff.
“We’re asking all patients to wear a mask. They will get a phone call a day before their screen to assess for any new or worsening COVID-related symptoms. Our staff on the Coach are wearing full PPE. We’ve allowed for additional time in between patients to fully sanitize the space.”
Beach notes the appointments will be quick and there will only be one patient on the coach at one time.
All staff working on the Coach have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
For a schedule or for more information visit Screen For Life Coach
Here is the April schedule:
-Dryden: Memorial Arena: April 8-26
-Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation: Band Office: April 14
-Wabaseemoong Independent Nation: Health Centre: April 27
-Minaki: Community Centre: April 28
-Wauzushik Onigum: Community Development Centre: April 29
-Rainy River: Public Works Garage: April 30-May 2
