Our Advocates and Volunteers

Dense Breasts Canada (DBC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2016. DBC is made up of dedicated individuals and healthcare professionals. DBC is committed to raising awareness and advocating for optimal breast cancer screening. 

jennie photoshopped final
Michelle Di Tomaso March 2024
Paula order of canada
Karen Goldenburg cropped
ADVOCATE PIC- annie
Joan
Eevin-Leigh Schlamp
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Our Goals: Awareness and Advocacy

To increase awareness among the public and healthcare professionals of the risks associated with dense breasts and the importance of screening, starting at age 40.

To convince provincial screening programs to report breast density directly to women and provide supplemental screening to women with dense breasts.

To convince the federal government to revise current breast screening guidelines and reform the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Why we are seeking change.

Over 3 million women in Canada, over age of 40, have dense breasts. DBC wants to educate women about the importance of knowing and understanding their breast density so they can be proactive in reducing their risk and can also have informed discussions with their healthcare providers.

Why breast density matters: Dense breasts pose two risks: 1. Women with dense breasts have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.  2. Dense tissue can mask cancer. Women with dense breasts can benefit from additional screening to decrease the number of missed or delayed cancer diagnoses.

Why optimal screening matters: Early detection of breast cancer provides the best chance for survival. Five year survival at Stage 1 is 99.8 percent and at Stage 4 it is 23%. Early detection also can mean a better chance to avoid chemotherapy, mastectomy and axillary dissection. Optimal screening includes annual screening starting at age 40 and continuing past age 74 and additional screening for women with dense breasts.

Meet Our Advocates