Topics : Surveys, Opinions and Research, Women, DEI
In light of new evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society joins those calling for expanded access to breast cancer screening
OTTAWA, ON, May 9, 2024 /CNW/ – The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is urging provinces and territories to lower the age of eligibility to 40 for people at average risk of the disease for their breast cancer screening programs . The CCS is modifying its position to take into account the evolving evidence as well as the calls for action sparked by the dissatisfaction of seeing many women aged 40 to 49 excluded from screening programs as well as the national guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTHPCC).
It is estimated that one in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It is important to provide access to screening to detect breast cancer early, when the chances of successful treatment are better. Done regularly, mammograms help detect cancer early and reduce the risk of dying from the disease.
The issue of breast cancer screening is complex, and the ideal age to begin screening has been the subject of debate among experts, says Sandra Krueckl, Ph.D., senior vice president, Mission, Information and Support Services . In recent years, we have seen the emergence of a fundamental movement advocating screening from a younger age as well as a more inclusive system, which would allow people aged 40 to 49, regardless of where they live, to access screening without having to overcome obstacles, adds MmeKrueckl. We must respond to this desire and ensure that people at increased or high risk of breast cancer, for example in the case of genetic mutations, family history or high breast density, have clear screening recommendations.
The CCS would also like all provinces to offer people at high risk of breast cancer (established by a risk assessment) the opportunity to have direct access to screening even if they are not in the age group targeted by the breast cancer screening program. This would make it possible to immediately alleviate the difficulties of accessing the provincial screening program.
The GECSSP is expected to release its new breast cancer screening guidelines later this month, but it is up to provincial and territorial governments to set the start and end ages of screening in their programs. respective. More and more Canadian provinces are already providing access to breast cancer screening from the age of 40. While the provinces and territories will consider the new national guidelines, the CCS is asking jurisdictions that have not yet done so to lower the age for the start of screening to 40 years, for women as well as trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people who are at average risk of breast cancer. Such a measure would be in line with recently published guidelines in the United States recommending expanding access to breast cancer screening to include people aged 40 to 49. This guidance also reflects new evidence that has been published since the Canadian guidelines were last updated in 2018.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 48. At 45, I had a preventive mammogram because of my vitiligo. The screening revealed benign cysts, which should have raised suspicion. As I was in my forties, the recommendation was to follow up regularly and wait until I was 50 to have a mammogram every two years. “If I had benefited from this screening program earlier, I could have been diagnosed at an earlier stage,” says Isabelle Rochefortuser of the ParlonsCancer.ca platform offered by the SCC.
According to an Ipsos survey conducted in February 2024 on behalf of the SCC, 90% of Canadians support expanding access to breast cancer screening to include people aged 40 to 49, even if this leads to an increase in their taxes.
Lowering the age for starting screening is an important step; This allows more cancers to be detected and detected earlier, when treatment is most likely to be successful. We also need to conduct more studies to increase knowledge about screening and risk, so that we can better understand the impact of breast cancer on people. Canada. Furthermore, we need to deploy a collaborative approach across the country and in the breast cancer screening community in order to work as a priority on this issue together, indicates David RaynaudSenior Manager, Public Interest Advocacy at the SCC.
As access to testing expands, all governments must invest in prevention, early detection, testing, diagnosis and treatment, and address the serious workforce shortages currently plaguing the field. health care, particularly in rural and remote areas. This requires, among other things, making new investments to lower the age for the start of screening and increase overall participation. It is important to adopt approaches that are respectful of the culture of communities that face barriers and inequalities in accessing breast cancer screening, as well as strategies that will increase their participation. Solutions must be developed jointly with communities that are underserved, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, racialized communities, rural and remote communities, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Additionally, it is crucial to improve breast cancer screening data so that health system decision-makers and managers can better monitor population health, improve the quality and delivery of health care, and fuel research as well as practice. The Pan-Canadian Cancer Data Strategy and the Pan-Canadian Health Data Charter define important avenues for enriching data in the country.
The overall understanding of breast cancer has continued to evolve and increase; provinces, territories, the federal government and the GECSSP all have an obligation to ensure that screening programs progress at the same pace as the context in which they operate.
Required measures, in summary
The CCS strongly recommends comprehensive intervention in the following sectors to ensure equitable and rapid access to breast cancer screening. To do this, you must:
- Invest in research
- Improve data collection
- develop guidelines for people at increased or high risk
- Update eligibility for people at average risk, including lowering the age for starting screening
- Improving breast cancer screening programs to take into account the needs of certain populations
- Raise public awareness of existing breast cancer screening programs
- develop solutions jointly with underserved communities to increase their participation
- Investing in human resources for health
To find out when you should have breast cancer screening tests, visit cancer.ca.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the best cancer researchers. We provide a compassionate support network to all people with cancer, across the world. Canada and for all types of cancer. With the support of those affected, supporters, donors and volunteers, we are creating a healthier future. We all have a role to play.
took a company to act against cancer. Call 1888939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
Source Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
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