Self-Refer for Mammograms as Screening Age Lowers to 40
This pivotal change expands access to life-saving mammograms for millions of women in Ontario, empowering them to make informed health decisions and detect cancers at their most treatable stage.
From left to right: Shaniah Leduc (Board Chair, Breast Cancer Canada), MPP Laura Smith, and Kimberly Carson (CEO, Breast Cancer Canada)
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On October 22, 2024, Breast Cancer Canada (BCC) rolls out the Pink Carpet outside the Legislature at Queen’s Park, marking a pivotal milestone in breast cancer screening. The event raises awareness about the importance of early detection and inspires people to commit to their health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It follows Ontario’s recent implementation of a self-referral policy lowering the age for women to book publicly-funded mammograms from 50 to 40, without a doctor’s referral.
This significant change aligns with findings from Breast Cancer Canada’s recent survey, which reveals that 94% of Canadians believe breast cancer screenings should start at age 40. With the new self-referral option through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), women can now take proactive steps to manage their health earlier, potentially improving outcomes.
Commit to Early Screening
In celebration of these advancements, BCC calls on people to join the movement by raising awareness about early detection and committing to their health journey.
“Ontarians over 40, book your mammograms today!” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “Lowering the screening age in Ontario gives individuals the opportunity to take charge of their breast health earlier and detect potential issues sooner. This is an important step forward in improving outcomes for the 1 in 8 women who will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.”
“Sharing my story today was a deeply personal experience,” said MPP Laura Smith, a breast cancer survivor who spoke about her diagnosis publicly for the first time at the event. “Early detection saved my life, and I hope by sharing my story, more women are encouraged to get screened. The earlier you know, the better your chances, and we need to keep this conversation alive to empower others to take action.”
Addressing the Screening Gap
Despite widespread support for early screening, a gap still exists between awareness and action. BCC’s survey reveals that 73% of Canadians have not been screened at all, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing education and awareness efforts to encourage routine screenings.
“Let’s not wait for a diagnosis,” Carson emphasizes. “Through our survey, we learned that 84% of younger Canadians are already committed to screening at age 40, and now they have the opportunity to follow through. We encourage every woman to prioritize their health and get their mammograms booked!”
To learn more about early screening and Breast Cancer Canada’s research initiatives, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
About Breast Cancer Canada
Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care), it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada with a clear mandate to fund research, advocate, and educate on the progress of new research evidence. The organization receives no government funding; all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
About the Survey
These are the findings of a study/survey conducted by Breast Cancer Canada from August 28 to 30, 2024 among a representative sample of 1505 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
