Ontario Expands Breast Cancer Screening to Women Over 40

Starting today, women in Ontario over the age of 40 can now self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). This historic move aims to connect an additional one million women to essential breast cancer screening services, allowing for earlier detection and treatment.

“Breast cancer affects one in every nine women in Ontario, and we know early detection and increased access to treatment and care saves lives,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “That is why today our government is proud to take this historic step by connecting an additional one million Ontarians to the care they need, when and where they need it.”

Previously, women had to wait until age 50 to self-refer for a mammogram. By lowering the self-referral age to 40, the Ontario government hopes to provide earlier access to life-saving screenings. Women can now easily access mammograms at any OBSP site or by calling 1-800-668-9304, without needing a referral from a primary care provider.

This expansion is being supported by a nearly $20 million investment, allowing OBSP sites to extend hours, add more appointment slots, and train additional staff to accommodate the increase in screening demand. It is estimated that of the one million newly eligible women, 305,000 will take advantage of this option, which has the potential to drastically improve outcomes for women diagnosed at earlier stages of breast cancer.

“Breast cancer screening is critical to detect cancer early, when it’s easier to treat,” said Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. “It’s incredibly important that Ontario is expanding access to breast cancer screening through self-referral for people 40+ and will undoubtedly help to reduce the risk of dying of breast cancer for more people in Ontario.”

Research shows that regular screening with mammograms can detect cancer before it spreads. Survival rates for breast cancer are significantly higher when caught early, with a 100% five-year relative survival rate for those diagnosed at stage 1. However, this drops to less than 30% for those diagnosed at stage 4. Early detection remains key to saving lives.

Dr. David Jacobs, President of the Ontario Association of Radiologists, praised the decision, saying, “This important step will connect more women to timely and essential mammogram services, significantly improving early detection and treatment outcomes.”

In addition to expanding breast cancer screening, the Ontario government is committed to improving healthcare access across the province. Through the “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care” initiative, Ontario has added 49 new MRI machines and approved 50 new CT machines in hospitals, alongside 700 additional training seats for health professionals in medical imaging.

Dr. Supriya Kulkarni, President of the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging, applauded the move, stating, “By allowing women to begin screening earlier, we enhance the potential for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for many.”

As Ontario marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about their risk of breast cancer and the benefits of screening. The Ontario Breast Screening Program’s new mammogram wait times tool also helps women find available appointments at nearby OBSP locations, ensuring timely access to this vital service.

This expansion of breast cancer screening marks a significant step in improving women’s health in Ontario, connecting more women to the care they need, when they need it most.