Toronto resident Elysia Bryan discovered a lump in her right breast in the summer of 2020. At 34 years old, Bryan, an active and healthy individual, initially hesitated to undergo breast cancer screening. Despite the visible and painful nature of the lump, Bryan hoped it would resolve on its own.
After months of neglect, Bryan eventually consulted her family doctor in April 2021. Subsequently, she underwent a mammogram and biopsy, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis at St. Michael’s Hospital. Following a lumpectomy, Bryan underwent a series of treatments, including eight rounds of chemotherapy, 24 radiation sessions, genetic testing, mastectomy, and reconstruction. Today, she is cancer-free and advocates for early breast cancer screening.
Reflecting on her experience, Bryan emphasizes the importance of early detection in successful treatment outcomes. She is actively involved with The Olive Branch of Hope, a support organization for Black women with breast cancer, where she observes a rising number of young women being diagnosed.
A recent study by the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index highlights low screening rates in Canada, with only 15% of women reporting screening for breast or cervical cancer in the past year. The study identifies underprivileged groups, including those with lower incomes, ethnic minorities, and newcomers, as least likely to undergo screening.
In response to these findings, Ontario reduced the age for self-referral mammograms by a decade, enabling women in their 40s to schedule screenings without a doctor’s referral. Despite breast cancer affecting one in nine women in Ontario, only around 21% of eligible women aged 40-49 have been screened since the policy change.
Dr. Supriya Kulkarni, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging, stresses the importance of reaching all communities, including immigrants, refugees, individuals with language barriers, and First Nations populations, to ensure equitable access to screening. Efforts are underway to educate and encourage younger individuals to prioritize regular screenings.
Dr. Ritika Goel, a family doctor, underscores the disparities in health care access for marginalized groups, particularly in cancer screening. She emphasizes the need to address social and structural determinants of health to improve outcomes for immigrants and racialized communities.
Ontario Health has taken steps to enhance screening accessibility, such as creating multilingual materials and conducting webinars to raise awareness. Preventive care programs have facilitated culturally responsive conversations about breast screening, aiming to bridge gaps in underserved populations.
With advancements in screening technologies and increased comfort levels, the goal is to expand screening reach, save more lives, and promote a culture where regular screenings become a norm for women’s health maintenance.
