AHS issues warning about breast self-exam calls
EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services has issued a warning for women to be aware of misleading telephone calls regarding breast cancer screening results.
According to a news release, AHS has received reports from eight women in the Edmonton, Barrhead and Athabasca areas that they have received phone calls from a man claiming to be from a medical imaging facility. The caller relays follow up information for breast cancer screening, and advises an immediate breast self-exam must be conducted while on the phone.
The release notes AHS representatives may call patients to discuss a mammography appointment, but they will never ask a patient to conduct a breast self-exam while on the phone.
AHS advises women who receive a phone call requesting they complete a breast self-exam while on the phone to hang up, note the time and call details and immediately contact local police on their non-emergency line.