As we celebrate our 9 year anniversary, we’re reflecting on the progress made in achieving better breast cancer screening in Canada and raising public awareness nationwide.

PROVINCIAL POLICY WINS

BREAST DENSITY NOTIFICATION: When DBC first started advocating, no woman in Canada was informed about her breast density. Today, DBC’s 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’s online health portal. Every woman in Canada can learn her density!

LOWERING THE SCREENING AGE TO 40: 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’re hoping for good news from Quebec this summer.

SUPPLEMENTAL SCREENING FOR WOMEN WITH DENSE BREASTS: When DBC began, supplemental screening for women with dense breasts wasn’t available. Through DBC’s advocacy, many women with dense breasts in BC, AB, NWT, SK, and ON now have access to additional screening with ultrasound. Advocacy continues.

FEDERAL ACTION AND PROGRESS

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’s office, and many MPs, DBC raised critical concerns about governance, oversight, and the need for up-to-date evidence and expert input in Canada’s 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.

RAISING AWARENESS
In 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.

OUR GRATITUDE

There are countless volunteers who have played a role in DBC’s work—patients, advocates, experts, and caring Canadians who selflessly give their time and energy. Time and time again, we’ve asked people to step out of their comfort zones—to speak with the media, testify before committees, and share their personal stories with the world. It’s truly inspiring to witness the kindness, generosity, and bravery exhibited.

We’re also grateful to work alongside Canada’s leading breast cancer screening experts—those who dedicate their careers to research, patient care, reading screening, performing biopsies, and more. Their voices, their advocacy, their expertise, and their groundbreaking research have been essential in driving meaningful change in Canada.

When it comes to raising awareness, it is you—our followers—who have made sure that the importance of knowing your breast density and the critical need for breast screening, starting at age 40, have reached people far and wide. Your support has been a key factor in spreading these important messages. We can’t thank you enough.

DBC remains dedicated to continuing the work of improving breast cancer screening in Canada. With a continued focus on evidence-based, inclusive policies, DBC will keep pushing for the best possible breast screening and a future where all women have access to the early detection they deserve. Thank you for your support.

Read our Advocacy Impact Update: Advancing Breast Cancer Screening in Canada: A Summary of Policy Wins and Progress