Effective today, individuals between the ages of 40-49 years are eligible for the Provincial Breast Screening Program as part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to health services and improving health outcomes for residents in the province.

The expansion aligns with recommendations in Health Accord NL to place greater emphasis on health promotion and chronic disease management.

With this expansion, individuals between the ages of 40-74 years can now access breast cancer screening through self-referrals. This will help provide more preventative health choices, ensure early detection and treatment of cancer, reduce mortality rates and allow more effective treatment options.

Implementation of this policy has involved significant expansion of infrastructure and resources to support an additional 34,000 people who are now eligible for the program.  This includes investing funding of $805,000 for two additional mammography units in St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as funding to support renovations required to install these two units.

By spring 2025, NL Health Services will expand MyHealthNL to allow patients to self-refer through this application. This expansion is in addition to existing screening pathways.

This expansion aligns with age of screening programs announced by other provinces and territories, ensures timelier access and does not create backlogs by requiring patients to have a referral from a health care provider.

Quotes
“Expansion of the provincial breast screening program for individuals aged 40-49 marks another important step towards our government’s commitment to improving health care access and establishing health equity in the province. This expansion will help ensure that more individuals can exercise greater control over their own health and well-being and self-refer for breast screening which can lead to earlier intervention and treatment.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Breast cancer doesn’t wait, and for women aged 40-49, screening can be a lifesaving step in early detection. Regular breast cancer screening increases the chance of finding cancer early, when it is most treatable.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has been working to implement this policy change to expand the age for the provincial breast screening program. By making breast screening available to people aged 40-49, there will be more opportunities for early detection, intervention, and provision of care. We thank the Provincial Government, our partners, and the many people who work with the Provincial Cancer Care program for their leadership, dedication and unwavering support in administering and continually improving the provincial breast screening program.”
Beth Snow
Provincial Senior Director, Cancer Care Program, NL Health Services

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Learn more
Provincial Government to Lower Age for Recommended Breast Cancer Screening

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