Research is revolutionizing how we detect, treat and manage breast cancer. Yet, our national guidelines and screening practices aren’t evolving in tandem.

Early detection is crucial, as 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Treatments are far more effective and better tolerated when started early. Thanks to the dedication of researchers, new screening and detection methods are becoming a reality – including simpler measures for prediction like blood tests. Precision diagnostics are helping Canadians detect breast cancer sooner and treat it more effectively.

Canada stands at a crossroads in breast cancer screening and detection with rates for younger people on the rise. While technology advances and new screening options emerge, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has yet to acknowledge these developments. The Task Force’s current recommendation to keep routine screening at 50 years old contradicts clear evidence and emerging trends underscoring the critical importance of early detection.

Canadians know access to breast cancer screening is important. We conducted a national poll in September revealing that 89% of Canadians believe routine screening should begin before age 50. A recent study in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal revealed a rise in breast cancer rates, notably among women under the age 50. Last month, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued a final recommendation that women should begin getting screened for breast cancer starting at age 40.

We must advocate for lowering the screening age to 40 across all provinces in Canada. Our national guidelines must reflect the current and growing needs, focusing on the necessity rather than the limitations of current technology.

Breast Cancer Canada’s commitment to advancing breast cancer detection technology is exemplified by more investments in breast cancer screening and technology:

• Earlier this month we were pleased to announce new research projects, totalling $500,000 in grants, including pioneering work on prognostic gene signatures, AI-assisted screening tools, and liquid biopsy profiles for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
• In December, Breast Cancer Canada approved $200,000 in new funding focused on developing new, less invasive technologies that offer higher quality results for early cancer detection. One project focuses on machine learning that will assist clinicians in more accurate breast cancer detection. The second project is creating state of the art technology to build a sensor bra to identify breast lumps with a goal to revolutionize simple and convenient screening and detection techniques.
• Last year Breast Cancer Canada began a $3-million investment with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to drive molecular breast cancer prevention research to improve early detection, screening, ultimately, future prevention strategies for breast cancer patients.
• To support the incredible work of our researchers, Breast Cancer Canada has also launched PROgress Tracker, a research study
  collecting Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs). This valuable resource allows researchers to understand the real-life impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis and will capture more data on the ages and stages of Canadian patients.

Raising funds and awareness for breast cancer is at the heart of what we do. Breast Cancer Canada’s pop-up community kiosks have been an essential part of this mission, appearing at shopping centers, events, and retail locations across the country. Initiated during the pandemic to ensure we maintained momentum, these kiosks provided invaluable points of connection allowing us to share information about ground-breaking breast cancer research and the importance of early detection and routine screenings at a time when screening mammography numbers had plummeted. As we have emerged from the pandemic, Breast Cancer Canada has made the decision to sunset this program.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the survivors, patients, and families who have shared their stories with us. Your openness has been invaluable, illuminating the importance of early detection and personalized treatment for patients. Your voices continue to shape our advocacy and research efforts, and we thank you for your unwavering support.

Our national education efforts will continue in new formats. We remain dedicated to progress through research, advocacy for access to the best care, and elevating the patient voice to improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

The future of breast cancer detection hinges on our collective ability to adapt and innovate. As we push for earlier screenings and embrace cutting-edge research, we must not lose sight of the patients and stories that fuel our mission.

It is only through united action that we will achieve our ultimate goal: a world without breast cancer.