The Canadian Cancer Society is advocating for all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40, challenging the current guideline set by a national task force recommending screening to commence at age 50 for individuals at average risk.
Although the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care is anticipated to revise its guidance later this month, the cancer society emphasizes that the ultimate decision rests with the provinces and territories.
While certain provinces already cover mammograms for individuals aged 40 and above, the cancer society underscores the importance of uniform accessibility for women nationwide.
Mounting evidence suggests that initiating screenings at age 40 could lead to the detection of more breast cancer cases at an earlier stage, thereby enhancing the likelihood of successful treatment.
With statistics indicating that one in eight women in Canada is projected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the call for expanded screening initiatives holds significant weight.