Canadian Cancer Society Recommends Starting Breast Cancer Screening at Age 40

The Canadian Cancer Society advocates for all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.

Currently, a national task force recommends screening for individuals at average risk for breast cancer to begin at age 50.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care is anticipated to revise this guidance later this month, but the ultimate decision lies with the provinces and territories.

While some provinces already cover mammograms for individuals starting at age 40, the cancer society emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal access for women nationwide.

Research indicates that initiating screenings at 40 could lead to the detection of more breast cancer cases at an earlier stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Statistics show that one in eight women in Canada is projected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

Related Stories