As we celebrate our 9 year anniversary, we\u2019re reflecting on the progress made in achieving better breast cancer screening in Canada and raising public awareness nationwide.<\/p>\n
PROVINCIAL POLICY WINS<\/strong><\/p>\n BREAST DENSITY NOTIFICATION:<\/strong> When DBC first started advocating, no woman in Canada was informed about her breast density. Today, DBC\u2019s advocacy has resulted in the breast density category and implications being included in letters mailed after a screening mammogram in nine provinces\/territories. In three others, the density category is available in the patient\u2019s online health portal. Every woman in Canada can learn her density!<\/p>\n LOWERING THE SCREENING AGE TO 40: <\/strong>When DBC began, only BC, NS, PEI, and YT offered self-referral for mammograms starting at age 40. DBC advocated alongside medical professionals and patient advocates, and we are excited to see that three additional provinces (ON, NB, NL) lowered the screening age from 50 to 40, bringing the total to seven provinces. Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also lower the age to 40, making it nine. We are hopeful that Alberta and the Northwest Territories, which currently screen at 45, will follow suit, and we\u2019re hoping for good news from Quebec this summer.<\/p>\n SUPPLEMENTAL SCREENING FOR WOMEN WITH DENSE BREASTS:<\/strong> When DBC began, supplemental screening for women with dense breasts wasn\u2019t available. Through DBC\u2019s advocacy, many women with dense breasts in BC, AB, NWT, SK, and ON now have access to additional screening with ultrasound. Advocacy continues.<\/p>\n FEDERAL ACTION AND PROGRESS<\/strong><\/p>\n CHALLENGING THE CANADIAN TASK FORCE ON PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE: DBC led efforts to highlight the need for change in the way the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care develops national breast screening guidelines. Through testimony at parliamentary committees and meetings with PHAC, the Health Minister\u2019s office, and many MPs, DBC raised critical concerns about governance, oversight, and the need for up-to-date evidence and expert input in Canada\u2019s breast screening guidelines. This advocacy played a significant role in prompting the health minister to order a review of the guideline development process and pause the work of the Task Force. We look forward to working with the new federal government and seeing the necessary changes implemented.<\/p>\n RAISING AWARENESS<\/strong>
\nIn addition to policy changes, DBC has made strides in raising public awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening. Through educational campaigns, social media outreach, and collaborations with medical experts, DBC has empowered women to take charge of their health. DBC has also mobilized public support for improved screening policies and helped establish new advocacy and awareness groups in Manitoba and Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n