Dense Breasts Canada (DBC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2016. DBC is made up of dedicated individuals and healthcare professionals who are committed to raising awareness and advocating for optimal breast cancer screening.
Our Goals.
To increase awareness among the public and healthcare professionals of the following: the risks associated with dense breasts and the importance of screening, starting at age 40 and continuing past 74.
To convince provincial breast screening programs to provide supplemental screening to women with dense breasts..
To convince the federal government to revise dangerous breast screening guidelines and reform the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care..
Why we are seeking change.
Optimal breast screening matters: With 30,000 women diagnosed in Canada with breast cancer every year and 5500 deaths, we must do better to ensure all Canadians have the best chance to find cancer early. The status quo has to go.
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and improves quality of life. Five year survival when diagnosed at Stage 1 is 99.8 percent, but at Stage 4 it is 23%.
Early detection also can mean a better chance to avoid chemotherapy, mastectomy and axillary dissection.
Canadians need optimal breast cancer screening: annual screening from age 40-49; screening every 1-2 years from age 50 and past 74, as long as a woman is in good health; and additional screening for women with dense breasts.
Breast density matters: Plus de 3 millions de femmes au Canada, âgées de plus de 40 ans, ont des seins denses. DBC souhaite sensibiliser les femmes à l'importance de connaître et de comprendre la densité de leurs seins afin qu'elles puissent être proactives dans la réduction de leur risque et qu'elles puissent également avoir des discussions informées avec leurs fournisseurs de soins de santé.
Advocacy Milestones and Impactful Changes
Since its founding in 2016, Dense Breasts Canada (DBC) has emerged as a leading force in advocating for improved breast cancer screening policies and public awareness across the country. Through tireless efforts, DBC has made significant strides in achieving policy changes that prioritize early detection and equitable access to screening for all women.
Breast Density Notification
Screening Age Lowered to 40
When DBC began, only four provinces/ territories (BC, NS, PEI, YT) were offering self-referral mammograms for women starting at age 40. DBC successfully advocated alongside medical professionals and patient advocates and in 2024/25, three additional jurisdictions (ON, NB, NL) lowered the screening age from 50 to 40. SK and MB will also lower the age to 40 in a phased approach.
Supplemental Screening for Women with Dense Breasts
Before DBC launched, supplemental screening for women with dense breasts was not widely available. Through DBC’s advocacy, women with dense breasts in BC, AB, NWT, SK, and ON now have access to additional screening.
Challenging the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care Guidelines
DBC has led efforts to expose flaws in how the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care develops national guidelines. Through testimony to parliamentary committees and meetings with PHAC, DBC raised key concerns about governance, oversight, and the need for up-to-date evidence and expert input in Canada?s breast screening guidelines. This advocacy resulted in a review of the guideline development process and a pause in the Task Force’s work.
Raising Awareness
In addition to policy changes, DBC has made significant strides in raising public awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening. Through public education campaigns, social media outreach, and collaborations with medical experts, DBC has empowered women with the knowledge they need to take control of their health.
Public Support and Grassroots Mobilization
DBC has galvanized public support for better screening policies. Through its messaging and community engagement, DBC has amplified the voices of women across Canada who are advocating for better breast screening.
Meet Our Executive
Nos Défenseurs
