Monitoring and evaluation of breast cancer screening quality indicators

This digital report presents the monitoring results of breast cancer screening activities across Canada from 2018 to 2021 (timeframe varies by indicator). The findings presented in this report are intended to:

• support shared learning across the breast cancer screening system in Canada
• optimize the quality and delivery of breast cancer screening programs

The data captured in this report represents the state of breast cancer screening before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought some unprecedented changes in the healthcare system, including the suspension of breast cancer screening services for several months. While screening has resumed, the impact of the pandemic has been far reaching, including a potential surge in breast cancer diagnosis beyond pre-pandemic levels,¹ which could increase the pressure on the cancer diagnosis and treatment system.

Related content

• Data specifications
• PowerPoint of graphs
• Breast cancer screening in Canada: 2021-22
• Framework for addressing abnormal call rates in breast cancer screening
• Management of cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic

_{This report represents a point in time view which involved retrospective data collection from the years 2018-21 (varies by indicator). This report does not include data for the 40-49 age cohort and breast screening due to limited data availability at the time of data collection. We recognize that the breast screening landscape is in a state of change with some jurisdictions lowering their routine screening age to begin at age 40 or 45. For the most current information on jurisdictional and territorial screening programs, please contact the cancer screening program directly or refer to their website.}

_{This report focuses on the years prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, a pandemic recovery lens was applied throughout the report to contextualize the data presented. We acknowledge the landscape has since changed, with many jurisdictions catching up to pre-pandemic screening volumes and employing strategies to ensure screening is up to date for eligible individuals. The 2022-23 breast screening environmental scan will be released in summer 2024, providing an updated view on jurisdictional breast screening programs and practices.}