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Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations for Older Women

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In Canada, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and over 80% of the cases of breast cancer occur in women over 50 years of age.

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Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations for Older Women

What is breast cancer?

Lung cancer originates in the lungs, typically in the airways (bronchi or bronchioles) or the small air sacs (alveoli). Cancers that begin in other body parts and spread to the lungs are usually named based on their original location. While smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, up to 20% of those diagnosed have never smoked. Therefore, it's essential to discuss any symptoms that are concerning with your provider.

Screening test for breast cancer

The mammogram serves as the primary screening test for breast cancer. It is a low-dose X-ray that examines breast tissue. Healthcare providers utilize screening mammograms to identify early signs of breast cancer before any symptoms are present.

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations from the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care:

  • In women aged 40 to 49, mammography is not recommended (conditional recommendation, low-certainty evidence).
  • In women aged 50 to 74, mammography every 2 to 3 years is recommended (conditional recommendation, very low–certainty evidence).
  • Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound scans are not recommended for screening (strong recommendation, no evidence).
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older woman getting a breast cancer screening test

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Last Updated:
January 23, 2025

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