Women with lower incomes, minorities, newcomers screened least for breast cancer

A cautionary tale underscores the importance of early detection in breast cancer. In the summer of 2020, a 34-year-old Toronto woman discovered a lump in her right breast. Healthy and active, she initially hoped it would disappear without medical intervention. Over several months, the lump became increasingly painful and visible, prompting her to seek medical attention. A biopsy confirmed breast cancer, and within two weeks she underwent a lumpectomy.

Her treatment was extensive, including eight rounds of chemotherapy, 24 sessions of radiation, a mastectomy, reconstruction, and genetic testing. Today she is cancer free and has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness, working with organizations that support women of colour and other underserved communities. Her experience emphasizes that early detection dramatically improves treatment options and outcomes, while delays can limit possibilities for recovery.

Her story reflects broader trends revealed in the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index. The survey found that only 15 per cent of women in Canada reported receiving breast or cervical cancer screenings in the past year, compared with 25 per cent in the United States. Screening rates are lowest among women with lower incomes, those who are members of ethnic minority groups, and newcomers to Canada, revealing persistent disparities in access to preventive care.

In response to rising concern about early detection, Ontario lowered the self-referral age for mammograms by 10 years last year, enabling women in their 40s to book appointments without a doctor’s referral. Despite breast cancer affecting roughly one in nine women in the province, only about 21 per cent of eligible women aged 40 to 49 have been screened since the policy change. Health officials stress that timely screenings save lives and improve treatment success.

Medical professionals highlight ongoing gaps in access, particularly among underserved populations. Immigrants, refugees, Indigenous women, and other marginalized groups face barriers due to economic pressures, language challenges, and competing family responsibilities. Younger women also experience additional obstacles, making routine screenings harder to prioritize. Experts note that structural and social determinants of health contribute to these disparities, underscoring the need for targeted outreach and support programs.

Ontario Health has implemented initiatives to address these inequities, including multilingual educational materials, webinars, and preventive care programs. More than 7,000 culturally responsive breast screening conversations have been conducted with underserved communities. Advances in screening technology have also made the process more comfortable and accessible, with the goal of increasing participation and saving more lives.

Despite progress, significant work remains to ensure all women, particularly those facing socioeconomic and cultural barriers, have access to lifesaving screenings. Efforts to expand awareness, accessibility, and culturally sensitive programs continue to be central to improving outcomes and reducing disparities in breast cancer care.

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