Early Detection Saves Lives
Breast cancer won’t wait – neither should you.
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, but early detection saves lives.
Know Your Body in Your 20s
Understand that changes in your body are normal, but it’s essential to track and monitor anything that feels concerning.
Risk Assessment in Your 30s or 40s
Complete a risk screening survey testing to understand how it impacts your screening plan. If the risk test shows that you are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, you can expect to be screened more frequently and consider options beyond just mammograms.
For more information, consider completing the free self-risk assessment for developing breast cancer at https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/calculator.html and discussing your results with your health care provider.
Dense Breasts
Know your breast density. If you have been told that you have dense breasts by a health care provider, it’s important to understand what that means for your health. Extra diagnostics may be needed. For more detailed information, consider connecting with organizations like the Dense Breast group.
Genetics and Personal Risk
Hereditary or family risk genetic testing may be something to consider if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree female relatives, prostate cancer in first-degree male relatives with a high Gleason score, or belong to certain ethnic groups, like Ashkenazi Jewish descent. There are more genes beyond the BRCA 1 / BRCA 2 genes that increase breast cancer risk. Ensure you ask what genes are included in the genetic test.
Genetic testing can guide your prevention strategy, which may include more frequent screenings, prevention surgeries (a personal choice), or future treatments.
Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer isn’t just a female issue—males should also be aware of their bodies. While there is no standard screening for male breast cancer, it’s crucial for men to monitor any changes and consult with their healthcare provider if needed.
Continued Advocacy
Breast Cancer Canada advocates for the most effective and up-to-date screening practices. We recommend annual screenings starting at age 40. While provincial guidelines vary, we believe that ensuring access to timely and accurate screenings is crucial for early detection and better outcomes.
Our commitment is to support the best practices that prioritize the health and well-being of individuals across Canada.
Your Guide to Mammograms
A screening mammography creates a baseline for future screenings – and can also ideally to detect breast cancer before any symptoms appear or feel a lump.
Why Early Detection is Important
The Power of Early Detection
1 in 8 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
Since the 1980’s deaths related to breast cancer have been cut in half due to research and early detection.
Now, close to 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive at least 5 years.
Treatment is easier, and often shorter, when detected at an earlier stage.
Know When to Get Screened
Age Guidelines:
40-49: Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
50-74: Get a mammogram annually.
75+: Discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you.
At any age, if you have been identified as high-risk for developing breast cancer, you should speak to your health care team regarding screening schedules that are right for you.
Inclusivity: Screening is available to all individuals, including Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people.
Who Should Get a Mammogram?
What to Expect During a Mammogram
Definition: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that provides detailed breast images.
Process Overview:
A technologist places your breast between two plastic plates.
The plates gently compress the tissue to capture clear images.
The test takes about 20 minutes, with only a few seconds of compression.
Image: Simple, clear illustration of the mammogram process.
Preparing for Your Mammogram
Before Your Appointment:
Avoid deodorant, lotion, or powder.
Wear a two-piece outfit for easy access.
Bring your health card and any past imaging reports.
During Your Appointment:
A trained technologist will guide you through the procedure.
Some pressure is normal but only lasts a few seconds.
After Your Mammogram:
Results are sent to you and your healthcare provider. You can typically expect your results within a week or two. Follow up about your results if you don’t hear back from your care team.
Additional tests are not uncommon, such as ultrasound or MRI. Different types of tests can show breast tissue or non-cancerous areas in a better way.
Understanding Your Results
Normal: No signs of cancer; continue regular screening.
Abnormal: Requires follow-up tests (e.g., ultrasound, biopsy).
Know your breast density, and advocate for additional testing if you have dense breasts.
Reassurance:
Most abnormal results do not mean cancer. Your healthcare team will guide you through the next steps.
Does it hurt? You may feel brief pressure, but it’s manageable.
Is it safe? Yes, mammograms use very low radiation.
Do I need a referral? This varies by province—please check provincial guidelines.
Find a Screening Program Near You
Mammogram Screening by Province & Territory
If you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re over 75, you should have a referral from your healthcare team. If you’re between 40 and 49 years old, you can make an appointment for a mammogram. You should talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of screening to determine if screening is right for you.
Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) sends people who are eligible for the Ontario Breast Screening Program letters inviting them to get screened, provides their results and reminds them when it’s time to return for screening.
For more information, please visit the Ontario Breast Screening Program https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/screening-programs/obsp
If you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years.
For more information, please visit the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/screening-and-carrier-testing/breast-cancer-screening
If you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re over 75, you should speak with a primary care doctor to see if a mammogram is right for you. If you’re between 40 to 49 years old, you may be able to make an appointment for a mammogram or ask your doctor to refer you to a screening program. Screening mammograms are available to most women, and many Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse individuals, 40 years and older, with no symptoms.
For more information, please visit BC Cancer Screening http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast
If you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re 75 or older, you’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor. If you’re 40 to 49, you’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor.
For more information, please visit the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program https://breastscreening.nshealth.ca/
If you are a resident of PEI and between the ages of 40 and 74, a screening mammogram is available to you every 2 years.
For more information, please visit the PEI Breast Screening Program https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/breast-screening-program
If you are between the ages of 50 and 74, you are eligible for a screening mammogram every 2 years at 4 sites in the province (St. John’s, Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay). If you are 75 or older, and previously enrolled in the program, you can have a screening mammogram at the 4 sites available in the province.
For more information on breast screening, please visit Eastern Health https://www.easternhealth.ca/
If you are 45 to 74, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years, or as decided by you and your healthcare team. Breast cancer screening is proven to have the most benefit within this age range. If you’re between 40-44 years, you’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor.
For more information, please visit the Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program https://screeningforlife.ca/breast-cancer/
If you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re over 75, you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if a mammogram is right for you. Trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people may also need regular mammograms.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/screening/breast
If you are 47 to 75 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re over 76, you should speak to your primary care doctor to see if a mammogram is right for you.
For more information, please visit the Saskatchewan Screening Program for Breast Cancer: https://www.saskcancer.ca/breast-screening
If you are 40 to 49 years old, research shows the benefit versus the risk of screening mammograms is less clear. Talk to your healthcare team about your breast cancer risks. If you are 50 to 74, you should have a screening mammogram every 2 years. If you’re 75 or older, speak with a doctor to see if a mammogram is right for you.
For more information on Yukon mammography services, please visit Yukon Hospitals: https://yukonhospitals.ca/breast-health-program
Mammography screenings every 1 to 2 years are recommended if you’re between the ages of 45 and 74. If you’re over 75, you’ll have the option to continue but are encouraged to speak with your primary care doctor to see if screening is right for you. If you’re 45 years or under, you’ll need a referral from your primary care doctor.
For more information on breast cancer screening, please visit Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/breast-screening
Please speak to your healthcare provider about screening options.
