Breast screening in Canada, 2023-24
About this section
This section describes tests and modalities used in breast screening within Canada, including mammography, tomosynthesis, MRI, ultrasound, and mobile screening clinics. Program guidelines on appropriate screening tests are elements of organized screening programs (WHO, IARC). This section summarizes the testing information of each jurisdiction.
Modalities for breast screening
On this page:
Mammography screening technology
Mammography is commonly used as the primary screening test for breast cancer. All provinces and territories perform mammography screening.
All provinces and territories are currently using digital radiography (DR) equipment to screen individuals. Quebec is also using computed radiography (CR).
Most mammography screening is occurring in hospital settings. Other locations where screening is taking place are in mobile units, screening centres, and private clinics.
Digital 3D Tomosynthesis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are additional modalities for breast screening which are used variably across jurisdictions for screening or diagnostic assessment. Most jurisdictions are using one or more of these methods to support screening and follow-up for breast cancer. This is an area where the landscape is actively changing as technologies and evidence evolves. For example, four jurisdictions are planning to implement 3D tomosynthesis, some as mammography units are replaced and imaging software is upgraded. Some jurisdictions are considering implementing 3D tomosynthesis as part of screening but have no active plans.
Primary breast screening modalities in Canada: Digital mammography*
| P/T | Digital radiography (DR) | Computed radiography (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| YT | ✓ | |
| NT | ✓ | |
| NU | ✓ | |
| BC | ✓ | |
| AB | ✓ | |
| SK | ✓ | |
| MB | ✓ | |
| ON | ✓ | |
| QC | ✓ | ✓ |
| NB^ | ✓ | |
| NS | ✓ | |
| PE | ✓ | |
| NL | ✓ |
*Digital mammography: mammography images are captured and manipulated electronically and include digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) systems.
^NB: Province-wide DR mammography as of February 2020.
Location where mammography screening is conducted
| P/T | Hospital | Screening centre | Private clinic | Mobile unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YT | ✓ | |||
| NT | ✓ | |||
| NU | ✓ | |||
| BC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| AB | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| SK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| MB | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| ON | ✓ | ✓* | ✓^ | |
| QC | ✓ | ✓~ | ✓ | |
| NB | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| NS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PE | ✓ | |||
| NL | ✓ | ✓ |
*ON: Integrated Community Health Services Centres (formally known as Independent Health Facilities); however, breast screening and diagnostic imaging performed at these centres are funded by the government.
^ON: Mobile units are available in two regions in the province.
~QC: Private imaging centres where breast screening and diagnostic imaging is funded by the government.