Toronto resident Elysia Bryan first noticed a lump in her right breast during the summer of 2020. At just 34 years old and leading an active, healthy lifestyle, she initially dismissed it, hoping it would resolve on its own. “It was visible and painful, but I thought if I ignored it, it would go away,” Bryan recalled.
Months passed before she finally visited her family doctor in April 2021. A mammogram and biopsy confirmed her worst fears — breast cancer. Within two weeks, she underwent a lumpectomy at St. Michael’s Hospital. What followed were eight rounds of chemotherapy, 24 radiation sessions, genetic testing, a mastectomy, and reconstruction. Today, Bryan is cancer-free and a passionate advocate for breast cancer screening.
“If it’s detected earlier, it’s easier to treat. Waiting until it’s advanced limits options,” she said. Bryan now collaborates with The Olive Branch of Hope, a support organization for Black women facing breast cancer, emphasizing that early detection is essential for younger women as well. “We need to safeguard our health and use the screening tools available to us.”
Study Highlights Concerning Screening Rates Across Canada
Despite growing awareness, screening rates remain alarmingly low. According to a new report from the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, only 15 percent of Canadian women said they were screened for breast or cervical cancer in the past year. In comparison, 25 percent of women in the United States reported doing so.
The index, developed by U.S.-based medical technology company Hologic in collaboration with Gallup, is among the largest global studies on women’s health and well-being. The findings point to socioeconomic and cultural disparities, showing that women from low-income, minority, or newcomer backgrounds are least likely to participate in screening programs.
Ontario’s Push to Expand Access
In an effort to improve early detection, Ontario lowered the self-referral age for mammograms by 10 years in 2024, allowing women in their 40s to book mammograms without a doctor’s referral. The change was intended to help identify breast cancer earlier, as approximately one in nine Ontario women will develop the disease in their lifetime.
“We know early detection and increased access to treatment and care save lives,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones. However, data from Ontario Health shows that only about 21 percent of eligible women aged 40 to 49 have taken advantage of the expanded screening program.
Barriers Preventing Access for Vulnerable Communities
Dr. Supriya Kulkarni, a breast imaging radiologist at the University Health Network, noted that while over 1,000 mammograms were performed at Women’s College Hospital last year, several communities remain underserved. “Immigrant populations, refugees, individuals with language barriers, and Indigenous peoples are among those not yet accessing our system,” she said. “It’s critical that we reach out to these groups.”
Kulkarni also highlighted logistical and economic barriers affecting younger women. “They’re busy managing families, facing financial pressures, and often don’t prioritize screening. But screening should become a normal part of life — something women do every two years.”
Structural Inequalities Continue to Influence Health Access
Toronto family physician Dr. Ritika Goel echoed these concerns, stressing that social and structural inequities continue to shape access to preventive care. “Research consistently shows that racialized and immigrant women have lower screening rates for breast and cervical cancer,” she said. “These patterns reflect broader systemic issues — inequities in income, education, and access to culturally competent care.”
Public Health Initiatives Aim to Close the Gap
In response, Ontario Health has launched multilingual breast cancer awareness campaigns and hosted webinars to inform women about screening options. The organization’s preventive care teams have also conducted over 7,000 culturally responsive screening conversations with racialized and underserved communities.
These efforts are bolstered by technological advances that have made mammograms more comfortable and accessible. Experts hope such innovations will encourage more women to participate in screening, reducing late-stage diagnoses and improving survival rates.
A Call for Consistent Screening
Despite the progress, the message remains clear — regular breast cancer screening saves lives. Advocates and medical professionals alike emphasize that awareness must translate into action. Bryan’s journey serves as a reminder that vigilance and early testing can mean the difference between life and death.
“It shouldn’t take a diagnosis to motivate women to get screened,” Bryan said. “It should be part of how we care for ourselves.”
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