Ottawa: Despite calls from specialists to lower the recommended breast cancer screening age to 40, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has maintained its position advising routine screening to start at age 50. They also uphold their recommendation against routine screening past age 74. However, the task force acknowledges that individuals aged 40 and over who understand the risks and benefits of early screening may choose to undergo mammograms every two to three years.
The Canadian Cancer Society expresses disappointment with the task force’s decision, as it recommends routine mammograms starting at age 40. The decision on when to offer mammograms free of charge lies with the provinces and territories. Some, like British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon, already offer breast cancer screening from age 40.