Saskatchewan has lowered the recommended age for breast cancer screening from 50 to 45, a change driven by evidence that breast cancer in younger women tends to grow faster and be more aggressive. The updated guidelines, announced by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, aim to catch cancers earlier in women aged 45 to 49, a group previously not routinely screened.
Why the Age Was Lowered
The decision follows research showing that breast cancer in premenopausal women often progresses more rapidly. According to Dr. Sharlene Gill, a medical oncologist with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, tumors in younger women can be more aggressive and grow faster than those in older women. “We know that breast cancer in younger women can be more aggressive. The goal is to detect it earlier when treatment is more effective,” she said.
Details of the New Screening Program
Starting immediately, women aged 45 to 49 in Saskatchewan are eligible for mammograms through the province's screening program. Previously, routine screening began at age 50. The change aligns Saskatchewan with recommendations from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, which in 2024 updated its guidelines to suggest screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk. However, Saskatchewan has opted for age 45, balancing evidence and resource availability.
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency estimates that approximately 40,000 women in the province will become newly eligible for screening under the expanded age range. Mammograms are available by self-referral or through a doctor's referral.
Impact on Early Detection
Early detection is critical for breast cancer survival. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer detected at stage 1 is nearly 100%, but drops significantly for later stages. By catching cancers earlier, the province hopes to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for younger women. Renae Morrison, a breast cancer survivor from Regina, was diagnosed at age 46. “I found a lump myself, but if I had been getting regular mammograms, it might have been caught even earlier,” she said. Morrison is now cancer-free and supports the expanded screening.
Broader Context
The change comes amid a national trend toward earlier screening. Several provinces, including British Columbia and Nova Scotia, have also lowered their screening ages in recent years. However, some experts caution that screening younger women can lead to false positives and unnecessary biopsies. Dr. Gill emphasized that the benefits outweigh the risks for this age group, given the aggressive nature of tumors in younger women.
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency will monitor the program's impact and adjust as needed. Women aged 45 to 49 are encouraged to discuss screening with their healthcare providers.
