Before DBC’s advocacy efforts, no woman in Canada was informed about her breast density. Today, all women having a screening mammogram are informed of their density category, A, B, C, D, as well as the associated risks for dense breasts. In most provinces/territories this is done by mail, while in BC, SK, QC, and NL, the information is shared in the patient’s online health portal.

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. In Jan 2026, SK lowered the age to 43 and MB lowered the age to 45. SK will be at 40 in June 2026 and MB in Dec 2026. AB will lower the age to 40 April 2027. We are now only waiting on NWT and QC.

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. A list of clinics offering supplemental screening is available on our blog page.

DBC played a leading role in advocating for reform of Canada’s preventive health guideline development process. Through parliamentary committee testimony, meetings with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and sustained advocacy, DBC raised concerns about governance, transparency, evidence review, and the lack of expert and patient involvement in breast screening guideline development.

In March 2025, the federal government suspended the work of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and launched a comprehensive review. On June 10, 2026, the Task Force was officially replaced by the National Advisory Committee on Preventive Health Services, a new body designed to strengthen the development of preventive health guidance in Canada through greater transparency, accountability, expertise, and patient engagement.

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.

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.