REGINA — A new survey by Breast Cancer Canada reveals a huge number of respondents agree routine screening should start at the age of 40.
The survey showed 94 per cent support for that statement.
According to Breast Cancer Canada, as of February 2021, The World Health Organization declared breast cancer the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. In Canada, one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime, the organization states.
This year alone, that’s approximately 28,000 Canadians who will be diagnosed with the disease.
In a recent survey by Breast Cancer Canada, Canadians expressed their thoughts on the breast cancer landscape in Canada. A few key points include:
- 94 per cent of Canadians agree that routine screening should start at the age of 40
- 84 per cent of Canadians would get screened at the age of 40, if eligible
- 88 per cent of Canadians agree that where you live in Canada affects your access to quality care
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month quickly approaching, this new data arrives at a critical moment, highlighting the urgent need for updated national screening guidelines and more equitable access to breast cancer care across the country.
While there is overwhelming support for access to breast cancer screening starting at age 40, there is still more work to be done, the agency states. Despite recognizing the importance of early detection, many Canadians are not getting screened.
Over 27 per cent of Canadians reported that neither they nor a loved one has ever been screened for breast cancer. This gap underscores the need for continued education to ensure that awareness translates into action, the agency adds. Early screening is crucial for identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages, improving treatment outcomes, and ultimately saving lives, it asserts.
The Impact of Delayed Detection
Carie-Anne Dunscombe’s story brings a human face to the statistics. At 47, Carie-Anne was denied a mammogram despite presenting with a lump and rash. It wasn’t until a visit to the emergency room that she finally received a mammogram and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Tragically, she passed away just a year later, at the age of 48.
"If my mom had been screened earlier, her breast cancer could have been caught in time," shares her daughter, Megan Dunscombe.
"Routine screening wasn’t available for my mom at age 40. The delays in her diagnosis not only robbed her of the chance for early treatment but also devastated our family. Early detection isn't just a medical term — it’s a lifeline."
Needed Change in National Guidelines
"Now more than ever, the urgency for updating national screening guidelines is undeniable. This is about more than changing a number — it’s about transforming the breast cancer landscape in Canada to save lives,” Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada, emphasizes.
"Encouraging vigilance and pushing for early detection represent vital steps toward ensuring that every Canadian, regardless of age or location, has access to the care they need."
