Clarifying Ontario’s Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

New breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society may cause confusion regarding the appropriate age and frequency for women to start screening in Ontario.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program recommends that women aged 50 to 74 have a mammogram every 2 years. Women aged 30 to 69 who are at high risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) every year.

Ontario’s guidelines are aligned with the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and will not be changing at this time.

Mammography remains the most effective screening approach for the early detection of breast cancer. Finding cancer early can result in better treatment options and outcomes. Women are encouraged to visit Get Checked for Cancer or speak to their healthcare provider about their screening options.

Dr. Derek Muradali
Radiologist in Chief Ontario Breast Screening Program

Dr. Anna Chiarelli
Provincial Lead Scientist, Ontario Breast Screening Program