Ontario Government Expands Eligibility for the Breast Screening Program (OBSP)

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is lowering the recommended age for mammograms to 40, a change from the previous guideline of starting at 50 for average-risk individuals. This change, taking effect in fall 2024, is expected to enhance early breast cancer detection, leading to earlier interventions and treatment. By catching cancer earlier, the program aims to reduce mortality rates and enable quicker, more effective treatments—ultimately saving more lives.

Key changes and impact

Beginning in fall 2024, eligible women, Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people will be able to schedule a mammogram at any OBSP location from ages 40 to 74, without needing a referral.

These individuals will be eligible for screening through OBSP if they:

• Have no new breast cancer symptoms
• Have no personal history of breast cancer
• Have not had a mastectomy
• Have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months
• If transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones for at least 5 years in a row

This change is expected to result in an additional 130,000 mammogram screenings annually across Ontario and increase the chances of early detection.

PocketHealth’s breast health tools provide patients with personalized breast cancer risk assessments and simplified mammogram management. Designed to increase early detection of breast cancer, these tools enable patients to take control of their breast health. Learn more about PocketHealth’s breast health tools here.

The importance of early detection

Early breast cancer detection allows physicians to treat the cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body, where it is more difficult to manage. This significantly improves patient outcomes and lowers mortality rates. Early detection can also lead to less invasive treatments, potentially avoiding the need for chemotherapy or a full mastectomy.

Early detection is especially important because early stages of breast cancer often present no symptoms, allowing the disease to progress untreated. Additionally, breast cancer rates are steadily increasing in younger patients and those without obvious risk factors, further emphasizing the need for early screenings. Mammograms and discussions of health history play a crucial role in deciding the future course of care.

Here are some statistics that highlight the need for early detection:

• Breast cancer makes up 25% of all newly diagnosed cancers in AFAB individuals in 2024, with roughly 84 Canadians being diagnosed every day.
• One in six new breast cancer cases occurs in people aged 40-50.
• Breast cancer rates among patients in their 40s has risen 2% each year since 2015, meaning it is increasingly important to screen this age group.
• The five-year survival rate for early-detected breast cancer is as high as 99%. The sooner the cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment.
• With earlier screening guidelines, breast cancer mortality rates could decrease by up to 20%.

Take control of your breast health journey

The new program expansion provides an important opportunity for patients aged 40-49 who may not have had access to early screenings before. Detecting potential breast cancers sooner significantly improves prognosis and treatment options, offering peace of mind and the chance for better outcomes.

PocketHealth can also provide peace of mind by allowing you to view your finalized mammogram report as soon as it’s uploaded and even share it with physicians if needed. For Mary, accessing her mammogram report revealed advice to have more frequent screenings than typically recommended—something her clinic missed. This essential information was only noticed because Mary was proactive about her health, enabling her to get the extra screenings she needed as a higher-risk patient. Accessing your mammogram history gives you greater control over your health journey, empowering you to be a key player in your own well-being.

“When I went to see the doctor, they had the images on the computer, but I didn’t get to see them. With PocketHealth, I was able to view the scans and read the reports. Having the ability to monitor my progress made a big difference.” – Amy W. (PocketHealth User)

To learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program, you can go to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s official website, or find an OBSP site near you. Please note that some websites may not yet reflect the soon to be updated age recommendations, but they should be updated as the expansion approaches.