Breast cancer screening in Canada: 2021/2022

Breast cancer screening guidelines

Starting at age 50 and ending at age 74 or 75, asymptomatic individuals at average risk are recommended to participate in mammogram screening every two years by most provinces and territories.

Some jurisdictions accept individuals outside of these guidelines if an individual chooses to be screened, has been identified as high risk, or has a physician recommendation.

The Canadian Task Force for Preventive Health Care recommends screening participants aged 50-74 with mammography every 2-3 years.

Provincial and territorial screening guidelines

P/T Start age Interval Stop age Exclusion criteria
YT 50
(40 with radiologist recommendation)
2 years 74 · Personal history of breast cancer
· Breast symptoms
· Mammogram of both breast in the last 12 months
· Age <40 years
· Pregnant or pregnant in the last 4 months
· Breastfeeding or breastfeeding in the last 4 months
· Breast implants
NT 50
(40 with referral from PCP)
1-2 years 74
(participants age 75+ have the option to continue, encouraged to speak to their PCP to see if screening is right for them)
NU No organized screening program available
BC 50
(40-49 accepted by self-referral but not actively recruited)
2 years 74
(75+ accepted by self-referral, but not actively recruited)
· Personal history of breast cancer
· Breast symptoms
· Breast implants
AB 50
(40-49 with PCP referral for first screen)
2 years 74
(75+ with PCP referral to continue screening)
· Known diagnosis or history of breast cancer
· Bilateral mastectomies
· Signs and symptoms which could be associated with breast cancers
SK 50
(49 accepted to mobile unit if turning 50 in the same calendar year)
2 years 75+ · Breast cancer in the last 5 years
· Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
· Breast implants
MB 50 2 years 74
(75+ have the option to continue)
· Previous breast cancer diagnosis
· Symptomatic
· Breast implants
ON 50 2 years 74
(75+ with referral from PCP)
· Personal history of breast cancer
· Mastectomy
· Breast cancer symptoms
· Screening mammogram within the last 11 months
· Breast implants
QC 50 2 years  69 · Personal history of breast cancer
· Screening mammogram within the last 11 months
NB 50
(40 with referral from PCP)
2 years 74
(75+ with referral from PCP)
· Personal history of breast cancer
· Symptomatic for breast cancer
· Breast Implants
NS 50
(age 40-49 accepted by self-referral but not actively recruited)
2 years 74
(75+ accepted by self-referral, but not actively recruited)
· Personal history of breast cancer
· Breast symptoms
· Breast implants
PE 50
(available for age 40-49)
2 years 74 · Personal history of breast cancer
· Breast symptoms
· Screening mammogram within the last 11 months
· Breast implants
NL 50 2 years 74
(age 74+ only if previously enrolled in the program)
· Personal history of breast cancer
· Breast symptoms
· Breast implants