Breast cancer survivor thankful for the mammogram that changed her life

What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving? For breast cancer survivor, Donna Bell, it’s her mammogram. “I can’t express how important it is without getting emotional,” she says, “because that’s how they found my cancer.”

“I was shocked”

Like many of us, Donna’s schedule was busy and getting a mammogram fell off her list. However, at the advice of her doctor, Donna scheduled an appointment and the results changed her life in an instant. “I was shocked,” she remembers, “I thought, ‘this can’t be right. I look after myself; I eat well; I exercise; I live life to the fullest. I have amazing friends and family. Why? I just can’t believe I have cancer.’”

Her initial fear and disbelief soon transformed into determination and hope: “I was going to beat this disease come hell or high water,” she remarks. “I love living; I love life and I wasn’t about to let breast cancer stop me.”

With strength, courage and support, Donna beat the disease and is now cancer-free, but she’ll never put off another mammogram. “I only have one question for you,” she says: “Why would you not get one if there is a chance it could save your life? It’s free and it’s so accessible; they’ll even come to your community.”

Data on breast cancer in BC

Donna’s story is all too common; one in eight women in British Columbia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Regular mammograms can detect cancer early, when more treatment options are available and chances of survival are greater. “Early detection is so critical,” Donna says, “We are all busy. This is an investment in your health and your life.”

BC women age 40 to 74 with a first degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer are recommended to have a mammogram every year. Women age 40 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer can have a mammogram every two years.

How to access screening mammography & more information

Women in BC can access safe and comfortable screening mammography services, no matter where you live. Visit the screening mammography website at to find your closest screening centre, or to see when the mobile mammography unit will be in your community.

A doctor’s referral is not required. BC women with a primary care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner or naturopath) can book a screening mammogram by calling 1-800-663-9203.

For more of Donna’s story, please visit: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast/get-a-mammogram/why-are-mammograms-important