Decrease in NWO Breast Cancer Mortality

Breast cancer mortality rates in Ontario women age 50 to 69 decreased 29 per cent between 1989 and 2002, according to new statistics from Cancer Care Ontario. This dramatic decrease is attributed to increases in the number of women attending breast screening and improvements in treatment.

Since 1990, Ontario women have benefited from the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). To date, the program has screened over half a million Ontario women. There are currently 101 OBSP breast screening sites across the province plus a mobile coach that travels to 29 communities in Northwestern Ontario.

“Research studies show that screening women over the age of 50 reduces breast cancer mortality,” said Michael Power, Vice President of Regional Cancer Services for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “With our mobile coach, the screening program has provided greater accessibility for women in Northwestern Ontario, and the highest five year survival rate in the province.”

Regular breast screening can find cancers early when they are small and less likely to have spread. At the OBSP, three-quarters of the women diagnosed with cancer have small cancers that have not spread to the lymph nodes. The smaller the cancer, the easier it is to treat.

“Current treatments for breast cancer have improved survival rates substantially,“ said Dr. Dimitri Vergidis, Chief of Oncology of the Regional Cancer Care Program. “Future treatments are now being studied, such as those targeted to seek out and destroy cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone. These treatments show great promise in reducing the mortality rate even further.”

In all of the Northwestern Ontario OBSP screening sites, women have access to high quality facilities and expert staff. The program meets Canadian and international standards for the early detection of small invasive breast cancer.

The OBSP makes screening easily accessible. Women with or without a family physician can be screened through the OBSP. They can book their own appointments and are reminded by letter when they are due for their next appointment screen.

At the OBSP, women with abnormal screens are followed through to diagnosis. OBSP clients have ready access to knowledgeable and supportive staff as they go through their assessment process. Additionally, the OBSP offers breast assessment services in 17 communities across the province for clients with abnormal screens.

“The benefits of an organized screening program are clear,” stated Alison McMullen, Acting Director of Preventive Oncology at the Northwestern Ontario Breast Screening Program. “By ensuring very high standards for all aspects of the program, we can ensure the best outcomes possible for women that attend regular screening.”

By 2010, the OBSP hopes to increase participation in the program to 70 per cent. The Northwestern Ontario program has grown steadily since it was introduced in 1990, and its current participation rate is nearly 44 per cent, the second highest in the province.

Women in Thunder Bay can call 343-1690 for a breast screening appointment on the mobile coach or an affiliate site. Women in other parts of Northwestern Ontario can call 1-800-461-7031 to make an appointment.

For more information about the OBSP, breast screening and breast cancer contact: Alison McMullen, 343-1690.