Breast Cancer Screening Follow-up
Key findings
- In 2017, over 6,600 Ontario women ages 50 to 74 who had an abnormal Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) screening mammogram result and needed tissue biopsy for a definitive diagnosis were diagnosed within the recommended 7 weeks of their abnormal screening result.
- That represents approximately 8 out of 10 (78%) women who needed a tissue biopsy after their mammogram. However, Ontario is still below the national target rate of 90%.
- This indicator has remained steady, between 77% and 80%, since 2014.
Why is this important to Ontarians?
- For every 200 women screened in the Ontario Breast Screening Program, about 18 are sent for more tests and one will have breast cancer.
- Not having a timely follow-up can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- Waiting for a diagnosis can be stressful. Getting timely follow-up can help lower stress for patients and their families.
See Breast Cancer Screening Follow-up Methodology for technical information.
Results
- In 2017, 78% of women who needed a tissue biopsy were diagnosed within 7 weeks of their abnormal screening mammogram result; this falls below the national target of 90%.
- Timely follow-up is consistent across age groups: As in previous years, follow-up (with tissue biopsy) within 7 weeks was similar across age groups in 2017. It was lowest in women ages 50 to 54 (74%) and highest in women ages 70 to 74 (82%).
Opportunities
- Cancer Care Ontario will continue to monitor timely follow-up of abnormal results and work with regional partners (e.g., regional cancer programs and sites) to improve performance.