Ottawa Halts Preventive Health Task Force While Conducting Review of Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines.

March 4, 2025 TruthUSA

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland has decided to temporarily suspend the operations of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. The task force has faced criticism for its failure to recommend breast cancer screening for women under the age of 50.

Last year, Holland initiated an external review of the task force, which offers guidance to primary health-care providers. The review was prompted by the task force’s refusal to lower the age for mammograms to 40, a decision that went against the recommendations of various experts, including the Canadian Cancer Society.

Holland has confirmed that the external review panel has completed the evidence-gathering process and is currently finalizing proposals to enhance and modernize the task force.

In light of the concerns raised by experts and the general public, Holland has instructed the Public Health Agency of Canada to “pause” the task force’s activities until further notice.

Breast Cancer Canada and Dense Breasts Canada have both released statements commending the minister for his actions. They argue that the task force’s current screening recommendation, which suggests starting at age 50, is based on outdated guidelines that do not align with the latest scientific evidence.