Tickled Pink (Ribbon) about New Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in Canada. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in Canada will have breast cancer in their lifetime. Although breast cancer treatment has become much better, early detection remains our most important tool in being able to prevent late-stage breast cancer.

Until now, women in Ontario were screened every two years from the age of 50 to 75. The method of screening is a mammogram. The Ontario Breast Screening Program is an amazing program that informs eligible women when they are due and they do not need to have a primary care provider book the mammogram. Women can book this exam on their own. 

The decision to target this age group was made by looking at when breast cancer is most prevalent and weigh this against any risk of radiation exposure through mammograms. As younger women are now getting breast cancer, the program has re-evaluated what that age group should be. They have elected to begin screening starting at age 40.  

It takes time to get the infrastructure in place to inform women who fall into the new category of screening, so it is projected that letters will start going out in the fall of 2024. If you are seeing your primary care provider for a periodic health exam before then and fall into this age range, speak to them about beginning screening now. The program may be underway later but there is no need to wait till then to have the conversation and begin screening now. Early detection means early treatment and early treatment may mean early cure.  

 

Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!