Breast Cancer Screening in Canada

In March 1988, expert representatives from government and key voluntary and professional organizations convened at a national workshop designed to review the evidence supporting breast cancer screening, and the procedures and systems used to deliver such early detection programs, with the aim of reaching a Canadian consensus. One recommendation made was that Canadian women aged 50 to 69 "...be offered, and encouraged to participate in, an early detection program consisting of mammography, physical examination of the breasts by a health care professional, and teaching and monitoring of breast self-examination every 2 years." The programs were to be delivered through dedicated screening centres⁵. The federal/provincial/territorial Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health agreed to encourage exchange between key federal and provincial bodies involved in cancer control to facilitate the introduction and operation of breast cancer screening programs. Interchange '90 was organized as an initial step in achieving this goal. Out of this event, a National Committee on Breast Cancer Screening was formed, and since November 1990, Health Canada has supported semi-annual meetings and activities of this group⁶.

In December 1992, the federal government launched the first phase of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative (CBCI), with stable, ongoing funding of $25 million over 5 years. Under the Canadian Breast Cancer Screening component of this initiative, Health Canada was mandated to enable a federal/provincial/territorial working group on breast cancer screening to implement and evaluate breast cancer screening programs in Canada. Following the November 1993 National Forum on Breast Cancer, the membership of the National Committee on Breast Cancer Screening was expanded and the group became formally known as the National Committee for the Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Initiative (CBCSI). Its activities included fostering the development of quality, organized breast cancer screening programs in Canada with the following essential components: a population-based outcome goal; information about the target population; emphasis on hard-to-reach groups; meticulous quality assurance; outcome data and analysis; information systems and linkages; a woman-centred focus; and excellent coordination with high-quality diagnosis and follow-up⁷. Through its activities, a national database, derived from provincial breast screening program data, was developed in 1993. The National Committee for the CBCSI continues its work today as a component of Phase II (1998-2003) of the CBCI.

[Previous] [Table of Contents] [Next]