In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, we are highlighting a variety of initiatives at Women’s College Hospital and beyond, aimed at raising awareness and offering comprehensive information on breast cancer prevention, treatment and aftercare.
As of October 8, 2024, the eligible age for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) has been lowered from 50 to 40. Eligible women, as well as Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary individuals who choose to undergo screening, can now self-refer every two years at OBSP locations, including Women’s College Hospital.
“This important update is a major step forward in our commitment to women’s health and proactive cancer detection. By allowing women to begin screening earlier, we enhance the potential for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for many,” shares Dr. Supriya Kulkarni, radiologist at WCH. “We encourage all women aged 40 and above to take advantage of this new guideline and discuss screening options with their healthcare providers. Early detection can save lives.”
Mammography screenings can find breast cancer at an early stage, when it is less likely to have spread to other areas of the body. Early detection also improves the chances that treatment will be more effective.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2024, 30,500 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, representing 25% of all new cancer cases in women.
“Lowering the OBSP self-referral age to 40 will play a vital role in increasing breast cancer survivorship for more women in Ontario. Early screening equals early diagnosis and treatment, which will save lives,” says Elaine Goulbourne, Clinical Director, Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at WCH.
“This news is important because women with strong family history of breast cancer, especially those from marginalized communities, are sometimes diagnosed with cancer at an early age, before age 50. With this program, they can self-refer and have access to screening even if they don’t have a primary care provider.”
The OBSP also recommends that people aged 30 to 69 who meet “high risk” eligibility criteria get screened annually with both a mammogram and an MRI. The “high risk” status is based on a family or medical history of breast cancer with confirmation from a doctor.
Those over 74 are not eligible for routine screening under OBSP but can get tested with a doctor’s referral.
“With research indicating that Black and Indigenous women are often diagnosed with more aggressive cancers at a younger age, lowering the OBSP self-referral age will also help reduce the disparities in health outcomes for equity deserving communities – ensuring that no woman is left behind,” shares Heather McPherson, President & CEO, Women’s College Hospital.
Learn more on the Cancer Care Ontario website: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-care-ontario/programs/screening-programs/ontario-breast-obsp