Breast Cancer Canada Responds to Minister of Health’s Decision to Pause Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care

A Defining Moment to Improve Breast Cancer Screening

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Breast Cancer Canada welcomes today’s announcement made by the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, to temporarily pause the work of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. This decision marks a critical opportunity to ensure that further recommendations, including breast cancer screening guidelines, are rooted in the latest evidence-based research and expertise from specialists in the field.

Breast Cancer Canada continues to be at the forefront of advocating for evidence-based policy that prioritizes early detection and improved outcomes for breast cancer patients. The Task Force’s past recommendations, including its decision to keep the screening age at 50, have raised significant concerns among experts, advocates, and Canadians affected by breast cancer.

“Today’s announcement is a positive step toward ensuring that breast cancer screening guidelines reflect the best available science and expertise,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. "BCC anticipates the expert panel’s forthcoming recommendations and strongly advocates for a Task Force structure that prioritizes evidence-based, expert-led decision-making to improve breast cancer care in Canada."

Breast Cancer Canada remains committed to providing key insights through REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance, a coalition of leading Canadian oncologists and clinicians, whose knowledge demonstrates the urgent need for change.

With the External Expert Review panel set to release its recommendations later this month, Breast Cancer Canada urges decision-makers to implement reforms that will strengthen Canada’s approach to breast cancer screening and detection. Pushing for policies that expand access to routine screenings, particularly for younger women and high-risk populations, continues to be a priority for Breast Cancer Canada.

“As breast cancer rates rise in younger populations, we must take every possible step to ensure that screening guidelines reflect the realities of patient needs,” added Carson. “This pause presents a critical moment for progress, and we stand ready to support solutions that will improve breast cancer care across Canada.”

Minister Holland's full statement can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2025/03/statement-from-the-minister-of-health.html

About Breast Cancer Canada
Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care), it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada that has a clear mandate to raise money for research and advocate and educate on the progress of new research evidence. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information visit, breastcancerprogress.ca.

About REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance
REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance is dedicated to transforming breast cancer care in Canada. Guided by scientific innovation and real-world evidence, REAL Alliance leads a national agenda to establish best practices across the entire breast cancer journey—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. Through groundbreaking clinical research, national recommendations, and strategic collaborations, REAL Alliance is working toward a more effective, equitable, and patient-centered approach to breast cancer management in Canada. Because when science meets the real world, we save lives.