A national task force that provides guidelines for primary care providers is not lowering the recommended age for breast cancer screening to 40, despite calls from several cancer specialists, surgeons and radiologists.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has reviewed its current recommendation that women should begin routine breast cancer screening at age 50.
It maintains this position and continues to recommend routine examinations after the age of 74.
However, the task force adds that a woman aged 40 or older who is aware of the benefits and disadvantages of early screening and still wants to have it done should be able to have a mammogram every two to three years.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends starting routine mammograms at age 40 and expressed “disappointment” at the task force’s decision announced on Thursday.
Provinces and territories have discretion when to offer free mammograms.
Several provinces and territories, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon, already offer breast cancer screenings starting at age 40.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2024.
Canadian Press health reporting is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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