Breast cancer screening in Canada is available through screening programs organized by the provincial and territorial governments, with the exception of Nunavut. Canadian women can also access breast cancer screening through private, on-demand facilities with a health care provider’s referral.
It’s important to be aware that not all clinics offer the same quality of service. For the best care possible and the highest quality screening, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to have a mammogram with their provincial or territorial organized breast screening program or a clinic accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.
In the organized programs, regular breast cancer screening is offered to all eligible women free-of-charge, with the costs covered by your provincial or territorial health insurance program. Besides being free, there are other health benefits to joining your region’s organized breast screening program.
Benefits of organized breast screening programs
An invitation to join the program when you are eligible.
Reminders when you are due for your next screening appointment.
A letter sent to you and your doctor with your screening results.
Follow-up if a screening mammogram reveals a breast abnormality.
They meet national standards for equipment, image quality, radiation dose, quality control and quality assurance.
They meet national standards for radiologist and medical radiation technologist qualifications, knowledge and expertise. Regular performance evaluations ensure that breast cancers are diagnosed in a timely way, with fewer screening errors.
Highly trained screening staff who specialize in breast cancer detection.
Eligibility for breast cancer screening
Eligibility to join your organized breast screening program is based mainly on age. All of the organized breast screening programs in Canada offer free mammograms to well women at average risk of breast cancer aged 50 – 69. The eligibility for average risk women 40-49 and over 69 varies across Canada and may require a health care provider’s referral. The list below indicates the eligibility criteria for breast cancer screening. Please contact your regional program for details.
What can I do if I am not eligible and wish to have a mammogram?
If you are aged 40-49 but not eligible to join your organized breast cancer screening program, you may wish to have a mammogram for your preventive health care or be advised to do so by a health care provider. You can choose to have a mammogram but may need a referral from a health care provider.
Referral to the highest quality screening
For the highest quality screening and associated health benefits, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages you to request your health care provider to refer you to a clinic that is part of your provincial or territorial organized breast cancer screening program or one that has been accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). A list of CAR–accredited mammography clinics across Canada is available on the CAR website.
Wherever it is available, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women to be screened with digital mammography. This newer technology is gradually replacing screen-film mammography in Canada. This is because it is better at detecting breast cancer in women in their 40s, women 50+ who have not gone through menopause, and women with clinically diagnosed dense breasts.
We encourage you to ask to be referred to a screening facility with digital mammography, if you are a woman in your 40s, 50+ and have not gone through menopause, or have been diagnosed with dense breasts.
Canada’s organized breast cancer screening programs
Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program
1.866.727.3926
Age of eligibility: 40 – 69
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
Doctor’s referral required for first appointment only: 40 – 49
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
Mobile services available.
British Columbia Screening Mammography Program
1-800-663-9203
Age of eligibility: 40 – 79
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 79
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
Mobile services available.
Manitoba Breast Check Program
1-800-903-9290
Age of eligibility: 50 – 69
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required except for the mobile screening units.
Mobile services available.
Newfoundland and Labrador Breast Screening Program
1-800-414-3443
Age of eligibility: 50 – 69, 70+ (if previously enrolled in the program)
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
New Brunswick Breast Cancer Screening
1-888-762-8700
Age of eligibility: 50 – 69
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
Northwest Territories Breast Screening Program
1-867-873-0452
Age of eligibility (women can self-refer): 40+
Targeted age group: 50 – 69
Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program
1-800-565-0548
Age of eligibility (women can self-refer): 40+
Targeted age group: 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider can refer to a diagnostic centre for screening.
Mobile services available.
Ontario Breast Screening Program
1-800-668-9304
Age of eligibility: 50+
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider can refer to a diagnostic centre for screening.
Mobile services available.
Prince Edward Island Breast Screening Program
1-888-592-9888
Age of eligibility (women can self-refer): 40+
Targeted age group: 50 – 69
Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program
Call your health care provider or Info-Santé for information
Age of eligibility: 50 – 69
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
Mobile services available.
Saskatchewan Screening Program for Breast Cancer
1-800-667-0017 or 1-800-567-7271
Age of eligibility: 50 – 75, 75+ (if previously enrolled in the program)
Targeted age group (women can self-refer): 50 – 69
For women outside the eligible age, a health care provider’s referral is required.
Mobile services available.
Yukon Mammography Program
1-867-393-8738
Age of eligibility (women can self-refer): 40+
Targeted age group: 50+
More Information:
When to go for a mammogram
What to expect when you go for a mammogram
Breast cancer risk factors
Reducing your risk of breast cancer
About breast cancer