Breast screens detect over 19,000 cancers in 20 years

In the 20 years since it was founded, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) has provided more than 3.6 million screens to more than 1.1 million Ontario women aged 50-69 and detected more than 19,000 cancers – the majority in the early stages.

"Routine mammograms are the most important step a woman between the ages of 50 and 69 can take to detect breast cancer early," says Dr. Linda Rabeneck, vice president Prevention and Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario. "Early detection of breast cancer gives women more effective treatment options and a better chance for a successful recovery."

In 1990, the OBSP opened its first screening centre in London, Ontario; as of August 2010, the OBSP now delivers services through 153 screening sites across the province including a mobile coach in Northwestern Ontario. In 2009, the OBSP screened more than 396,000 women aged 50-69.

While approximately two thirds of Ontario women aged 50-69 years were screened for breast cancer in 2007-2008 and the screening rate has increased 7 per cent since 2001-2002, there are still too many women who are not getting screened.

"The Ontario Breast Screening Program helps save lives – I would encourage all eligible women to take the time to get screened," says the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario.