Image: The BC Cancer mobile mammogram screening program visits more than 170 communities across the province. / Supplied by BC Cancer

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Cancer screening

Mobile mammogram program coming to Hope and Agassiz

Sep 3, 2025 | 10:24 AM

CHILLIWACK — Every year approximately 3,500 British Columbians receive a breast cancer diagnosis. While the thought of such a diagnosis can be chilling, early detection can lead to a positive result, catching the cancer before it can spread to other areas of the body.

Soon residents in the Hope and Agassiz area will be able to have a mammogram screening test conducted in their own communities.

“Mammograms save lives by detecting breast cancers early, often before they have spread and when more treatment options are available,” says John Lowrie, mobile operations manager for the breast screening program. “More people in BC are being diagnosed with breast cancer, but fewer are dying from the disease. This is in large part due to early detection and treatment.”

According to BC Cancer, mammograms can usually find lumps two or three years before a person can feel them.

About 10 per cent of all mammograms completed in the province, are performed in mobile units. BC Cancer has three screening trucks that visit more than 170 rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the province.

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Each vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art digital screening equipment. They are wheelchair accessible and have a waiting room and a comfortable private room where the screening is conducted.

BC Cancer recommends that individuals from 40 to 74 who have a parent, full-sibling or child with breast cancer receive a mammogram every year. Those from 40 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer should schedule a mammogram every two years.

The mobile program will stop at the Hope and District Recreation Centre at 1005 6^th Ave in Hope from September 26 to October 4.

Mobile screening will be available in Agassiz from October 2 to 4 at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 7130 Pioneer Avenue.

You can learn more about booking a screening by visiting the BC Cancer website by clicking here. To make a booking, call 1 800 663-9203.