Breast cancer screening practices are failing too many women. For women with dense breasts, mammograms alone are not enough.

Nearly half of women have dense breasts. Dense breasts are normal and common, but they matter for two important reasons: having dense breasts increases the risk of developing breast cancer and makes cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram. Both dense breast tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram, which means cancers can be hidden and go undetected.

But more cancers can be found earlier with additional screening.

Research shows that additional screening, also called supplemental screening, can find cancers missed by mammography in women with dense breasts. Additional screening can include ultrasound, MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM).

Based on the evidence, the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women with dense breasts be offered supplemental screening in addition to mammography.

Despite this evidence and expert recommendation, women with dense breasts do not have consistent access to additional screening in many parts of Canada, including here in our province.

Finding cancer earlier matters. Later-stage breast cancer can mean more intensive treatment, poorer outcomes and substantially higher health care costs. Canadian research has estimated average treatment costs of approximately $39,000 for Stage I breast cancer compared with $370,000 for Stage IV breast cancer.

We are calling on our provincial government to:

• Give women with dense breasts access to additional screening.
• Invest in ultrasound, MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography, including the equipment and trained health care professionals needed to provide timely access.
• Ensure women and their health care providers have clear information about breast density and additional screening options.

Women with dense breasts deserve the same opportunity for early detection as other women.

Add Your Name. Make Your Voice Heard.

Tell your provincial politicians that women with dense breasts need better access to additional screening. Add your name using the form beside or below this message, then click “Add Your Voice.” Please share the campaign and encourage others to add their voices too.