Goal #1: Breast Health Awareness 

• To increase awareness among the public and healthcare professionals of the risks associated with dense breasts.

• To raise awareness of the importance of screening, starting at age 40 and continuing past age 74.

Goal #2 Advocacy for Manitoba to:

• Invest in research and technology.

• Develop a high-risk screening program.

• Make all imaging easily accessible to women who meet certain criteria based on modern science and wish to pursue it.

• Educate the entire population on breast health, including primary care physicians.

• Prioritize outreach to underserved communities.

• Build capacity within our healthcare human resources.

• Organized surveillance for breast cancer survivors.

Why we are seeking change.

Optimal breast screening matters: With 900 women diagnosed every year in Manitoba with breast cancer and 180 deaths, we must do better to ensure all Canadians have the best chance to find cancer early. The status quo has to go.

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and improves quality of life. Five-year survival when diagnosed at Stage 1 is 99.8 percent, but at Stage 4 it is 23%. Early detection also can mean a better chance to avoid chemotherapy, mastectomy, and axillary dissection. Manitobans need optimal breast cancer screening: annual screening from age 40-49; screening every 1-2 years from age 50 and past 74, as long as a woman is in good health; and additional screening for women with dense breasts.

Breast density matters: Forty-three percent of women over age of 40, have dense breasts. Dense breasts are normal. BSAM wants to educate individuals about the importance of knowing and understanding their breast density so they can be proactive in reducing their risk and have informed discussions with their healthcare providers about additional screening.