Breast cancer screening in Canada 20xx-20xx

Breast cancer screening programs

Learn more about:

• organized breast screening programs
• programs across Canada (map)
• provincial and territorial screening guidelines
• breast screening recruitment methods
• booking of breast screening tests (mammography)

Organized breast screening programs are available in most provinces and territories across Canada. The programs screen individuals who are asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of breast cancer present) and at average risk for breast cancer. Where organized screening programs are not available, screening services may be accessed opportunistically through a primary care provider (PCP).

The first organized breast screening program began in British Columbia in 1988. Between 1990 and 2008, 11 more Canadian jurisdictions implemented organized breast screening programs. Nunavut does not have an organized breast screening program at this time. In this scan, information on opportunistic screening is provided for Nunavut where available.

Breast screening programs in Canada

_{*Yellowknife Breast Screening Program (YKBSP) and Hay River Breast Screening Program (HRBSP) support 15 of 33 NT communities. The remaining 18 communities that are not part of an organized program book mammograms through the diagnostic imaging department that services their region.}

Map of Canada showing breast cancer screening programs

Most provinces and territories recommend screening asymptomatic individuals at average risk with a mammogram every two years starting at age 50 until age 74 or 75. Some jurisdictions accept individuals under the age of 50 to screen for breast cancer, every one or two years, if an individual chooses to be screened, has been identified as high risk, or has a physician recommendation.

Provincial and territorial screening guidelines

Participants are recruited into provincial and territorial breast screening programs using a variety of strategies. In most jurisdictions, participants can be referred to breast screening programs through physician and self-referral.

In addition, letters of invitation are used as a recruitment strategy in six provinces. Other recruitment strategies used are advertising and social media, referrals from nurse practitioners and recommendations from healthcare providers.

All jurisdictions target those aged 50-74 for recruitment, with the exception of Québec which targets women aged 50-69.

Breast screening recruitment methods

_{*Yellowknife’s BSP accepts self-referrals (50-74) for persons living within the Yellowknife catchment area who have a designated PCP; all other locations they service require a referral from PCP to enter the program. Hay River BSP accepts self-referrals (50-74) for persons living in Hay River catchment with a designated PCP; all other locations they service require a referral from PCP to enter into the BSP.}

Provinces and territories manage booking of mammography using several strategies. Ten jurisdictions do not require a referral. NT, AB, NS, NL assist a participant to locate a PCP if they do not have one. Booking appointments is done through local telephone numbers or toll-free calls. Programs provide information online or by letter about multiple locations where screening is available, including at mobile units in seven jurisdictions.

Booking of breast screening test (mammography)

_{*Information for NU in this publication refers to opportunistic breast screening.}