Breast Screening
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. It is estimated that in 2026, 32,400 women living in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which represents 26% of all new cancer cases in women in 2026. 5,400 women living in Canada will die from breast cancer, representing 13% of all cancer deaths in women in 2026. Early detection is important because the earlier that breast cancer is detected, the better treatment outcomes can be. Bayer is cooperating with breast cancer groups around the world to drive awareness and early detection. With the right information about risk factors and screening options, you can take charge of your breast health.
Risk Factors
Empower yourself by learning which risk factors increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Knowing how at risk you are can help guide your conversation with your doctor.
Age
Although breast cancer is more common as a woman ages, it is recommended that the risk of breast cancer be assessed beginning at age 30. Breast cancer increases with age, with ~83% of cases diagnosed in women aged 50+ in Canada. Lifetime risk for women in Canada remains ~1in8 (~= 13%).
Predisposition
Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or inherited genetic changes to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 - doubles risk.
Dense Breasts
Apart from women with dense breasts having a higher risk of developing breast cancer, dense breast tissue can make it harder to spot tumors on a mammogram.
Lifestyle
Studies have shown that physically active women have a 12-21% lower risk of breast cancer. Drinking alcohol can also increase your risks.
Reproductive History and Hormones
Having a first pregnancy after your tun 30, never having a full-term pregnancy, or not breast feeding. Taking estogren and progesterone can also increase your risk.
Breast Density
About half of all women over 40 who get a mammograms are found to have dense breasts. Dense breast tissue makes it harder to spot tumors on a mammogram.
Screening Methods
How Is Breast Cancer Detected?
There is a range of different screening methods used to detect breast cancer. Which ones are best for you will depend on a number of factors, such as your breast density. Explore different breast cancer screening methods to find out how they work.
Clinical Exam
A manual palpation carried out by your healthcare professional at your routine check-ups.
Mammography
Standard for breast cancer screenings in most countries. Takes an x-ray of both breasts from two angles.
Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Uses a strong magnetic field in combination with gadolinium-based contrast media to take detailed images of breast tissue.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Often used when mammography is inconclusive. Uses iodinated intravenous contrast media in combination with mammography.
Tomosynthesis
Creates a 3D image of the breast using multiple x-ray images from different angles.
Ultrasound
Uses sound waves to generate grey scale images of breast tissue. Used directly at the practice to image any palpable findings.
Statistics
Breast Screening in Numbers
Some screening methods have been found to be more successful in detecting breast cancer than others.
Explore the numbers below to learn more.
If 1,000 women are screened with regular mammograophy alone, approximately 2-7 are found to have cancer.*
*depends on the age and risk factors of the women screened.
If 1,000 women are screened with mammography plus tomosynthesis, approximately 3-9 are found to have cancer.
If 1,000 women are screened with mammography plus ultrasound, approximately 4-11 are found to have cancer.
If 1,000 women are screened with mammography plus MRI, approximately 17 or more are found to have cancer.
Compared with mammography, tomosynthesis, and ultrasound, MRI has the highest sensitivity, finding the most number of breast cancers.
Resource Links
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
Access CBCN for patient education and patient advocacy information from Canada’s only patient-directed national breast cancer health charity.
Resource Links are not affiliated, associated, or in any way officially connected with Bayer
PP-PF-RAD-CA-1019-1 June 2026