new breast cancer screening guidelines go against expert recommendations: what this means for canadians

according to current research conducted in ottawa surrounding breast cancer statistics, screening women in their 40s can significantly change the course of a breast cancer diagnosis and improve survival rates.

the updated breast cancer screening guidelines

the last update to the breast cancer screening guidelines was completed in 2018. the recommendations state that there is an emphasis on shared decision-making regarding breast cancer screening, putting the onus on women to push for their own preventive care. a verbatim summary of the current 2018 guidelines is as follows:

• women aged 40-49 (and aged 50-74) who want to be screened for breast cancer should talk to their doctor or other health care professional.
• this conversation should consider the pros and cons of screening, as well as their personal values and preferences.  
• if a woman wants a mammogram after this discussion, she should have a mammogram.
• we believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their health. this is the fundamental foundation of shared decision-making.
• the recommendations only apply to women who are at an average risk of developing breast cancer, as well as those without family history, genetic markers, or signs or symptoms of the disease.

• lower the screening age to 40 or extend it past age 74
• recommend against self-examinations
• encourage additional screening for women with dense breasts

breaking down the data

while the task force has its own ways of making decisions, many patient advocacy groups and cancer societies feel that the latest data is seemingly ignored in their decision-making process. current research has found that when people aged 40-49 are screened, it significantly reduces mortality rates in breast cancer. in the same breath, more screening did not lead to an increase in breast cancer diagnoses.

black women, especially, are more likely to feel the weight of the guidelines because they are more likely to experience death from breast cancer and, according to research , are under-screened when compared to other ethnic groups.

“ the risk of a later stage breast cancer is a particularly urgent concern for black women,” says dr. ify mckerlie, principal radiologist at calgary’s women’s imaging centre, in a press release to healthing. “black women are 40 per cent more likely to die from breast cancer, underscoring the urgent need for improved screening and early detection. i am troubled that these new guidelines do not ensure that my patients get the kind of care they need to live healthy, productive lives.”

the issues with self-advocating for preventive care

also, according to research, when healthcare professionals say a test is unnecessary, canadian women believe them, leading to less push-back from patients who could benefit from early screening, even if they don’t fall into a high-risk group. according to the world health organization , “roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors.”

another issue with the guidelines is that breast cancer cases in women under 50 are rising. data collected by a canadian research team found that breast cancer rates have increased in women in their twenties, thirties, and forties by 45.5 per cent, 12.5 per cent, and 9.1 per cent, respectively.

“we are beyond disappointed in the recommendations. the guidelines should reflect the latest evidence and prioritize the lives of canadians. the task force has failed us, and we ask canadians to tell minister holland to suspend these guidelines and use modern science to save lives,” dale said in a press release.

what you can do to protect yourself