Saskatchewan women aged 43 and above are now able to register for mammogram screening without needing a doctor’s referral. The province plans to gradually lower the eligibility age to 40 by June. Following the announcement in early January, misinformation about mammograms spread on social media, alarming advocates and physicians advocating for the age drop.
Jennie Dale, founder of Dense Breasts Canada, expressed shock at the extent of misinformation online regarding mammograms. She highlighted instances where misinformation, such as exaggerated radiation exposure risks, increased pain levels during mammograms, and high false positive results causing anxiety, were widely shared.
Dr. Paula Gordon, a breast radiologist and clinical professor at the University of British Columbia, debunked these claims, emphasizing the minimal radiation risk during mammograms. She clarified that the radiation exposure from a mammogram is low, equivalent to everyday environmental exposure levels.
Lisa Vick, a breast cancer survivor, initially hesitated to undergo a mammogram due to concerns about radiation exposure. However, her perspective changed after her cancer diagnosis, wishing she had been screened earlier to understand her breast density risks.
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) reported that its screening program, BreastCheck, has conducted fewer than 1,000 mammogram appointments for clients under 50 since January 2025. Despite efforts to increase awareness and access to screenings, Vick noted inconsistencies in wait times and urged the government to address these issues transparently.
Misconceptions about mammogram results, specifically false positives, were clarified by Gordon, who emphasized the importance of early cancer detection through screening. Advocates called on the province to counter misinformation through targeted educational campaigns, aiming to inform women about the benefits of early screening and dispel myths surrounding mammograms.
In conclusion, efforts are being made to combat misinformation and encourage women to prioritize mammogram screenings for early detection of breast cancer.