2023-06-09 20:51:00
Updated guidelines should reflect the most recent evidence as well as the perspectives of people with lived experience
TORONTO, June 9, 2023 /CNW/ – The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) welcomes the announcement of a $500,000 investment from the Government of Canada to expedite the review of breast cancer screening guidelines by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Task Force). These guidelines were last updated in 2018; Since then, the evidence and understanding of early detection of breast cancer have continued to evolve, reinforcing the need to update recommendations in this area.
Currently, the Task Force guidelines recommend screening with mammography every two years for women ages 50 to 74 who are not at increased risk for breast cancer. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 are recommended to talk to their health care provider to find out if mammography is right for them and to make an informed decision.
“People affected by breast cancer have told us that the current guidelines do not match their lived experience; they don’t recognize themselves, explains Andrea Seale, CEO of the CCS. As the guidelines guide the work of primary care providers across the country as well as provincial screening programs, it is critical that these recommendations remain current and reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of people affected by cancer. breast. »
It is estimated that one in eight women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the country. Access to breast cancer screening is therefore of paramount importance to allow early detection of the disease, while the chances of successful treatment are better.
Last month in the United States, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) proposed changes to its recommendations on breast cancer screening, including advocating the start of screening exams every two years for women from from the age of 40. As part of this review, the USPSTF reported inequalities in breast cancer mortality and survival time among black women.
Since 2019, the CCS has been urging the Task Force to review the guidelines and address gaps. In light of the recommendations issued by the USPSTF, we urged that the Task Force be provided with the necessary resources and funding to complete the update of the guidelines in a timely and effective manner, as well as to re-examine its process of developing guidelines with a view to achieving efficiencies and learning from what is being done elsewhere. The CCS further encouraged the Task Force to specifically include the views of those eligible for breast cancer screening and those with lived experience of the disease in updating the guidelines.
“We know that there are Canada people currently eligible for screening who are not receiving it due to barriers and inequities, particularly members of racialized or Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, and people living in rural or remote areas, adds Ms. Seale . As we discuss breast cancer screening and the Task Force revises its guidelines, we need to better understand the implications of these barriers and work to reduce them. »
The CCS is committed to continuing its conversations with the Task Force, breast cancer screening experts and people living with the disease, as well as supporting the work of provincial and territorial programs organized breast cancer screening.
Screening programs are an important part of cancer care. While the review is underway, the CCS continues to encourage all people over the age of 40 to ask their health care providers about breast cancer screening in their province or territory, and to determine what suits them. Participate in screening programs implemented throughout the Canada is the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
To learn more about breast cancer or early detection, visit cancer.ca/cancerdusein or call 1 888 939-3333.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest cancer researchers. We provide a compassionate support network for all people with cancer, across the Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice of people who care about cancer, we work together with governments to create a healthier society. No other organization does what we do to help improve lives today and transform the future of cancer forever.
Together, let’s take action against cancer. Call us at 1 888 939-3333 or visit cancer.ca Today.
SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society
For further information: Michelle Bilton ([email protected]), Coordinator, Communications Canadian Cancer Society, 437 266-2493, ext. 23128
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