Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Perth District Health Unit
New Data Shows Women at Highest Risk for Breast Cancer Not Being Screened
Older women have the highest risk of breast cancer, yet they are among the most unlikely to be screened. A recent report from Cancer Care Ontario shows that only about 38% of women aged 70 to 74 years are being screened through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. This is less than all other age groups 55 years and older.
“This trend is concerning because we know that breast cancer risk increases as women get older and peaks between ages 70 and 74,” says Karen Bergin-Payette, a Public Health Nurse in the Cancer Prevention Program.
New guidelines published by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care in 2011 addressed this issue by increasing the upper age limit for breast screening from 69 to 74. Unfortunately, the changes in guidelines have not resulted in an increase in screening practices among older women.
“In 2012, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Ontario,” says Bergin-Payette. “Screening is essential to getting an early diagnosis.”
The lowest screening rates, however, are among women aged 50 to 54 years with only about 37% of them having a mammogram. “It’s important for women turning 50 to start breast screening and keep screening until they reach 74,” notes Bergin-Payette.
Currently, Cancer Care Ontario recommends women aged 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two years at the Ontario Breast Screening Program. Women can call the nearest OBSP screening location to make an appointment ? a doctor’s referral is not needed. In Perth County screening locations are at Listowel Memorial Hospital, Stratford General Hospital and MIC Medical Imaging Jenny Trout Centre.
For more information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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