Breast cancer incidence and mortality, by age, stage and molecular subtypes, by race/ethnicity in Canada

Canada’s current national screening guidelines for breast cancer are less appropriate for women of certain race and ethnicity groups since they are diagnosed at younger ages with more advanced stages of the disease. The new findings from a University of Ottawa research team underscore the urgent need to reevaluate screening guidelines to account for racial and ethnic differences and ensure equitable healthcare access, including earlier screening, to improve outcomes for all women. 

Breast cancer characteristics and outcomes in Canada related to race and ethnicity are not currently documented. This new study has found that Canadian women who did not identify as White had an earlier peak age of breast cancer diagnosis and higher proportions of cases diagnosed under age 50. They also have an earlier peak age of death, dying on average seven years earlier.