Alberta is lowering the age for breast cancer screening to 40, expanding access to publicly funded mammograms starting next year. Preventative Health Minister Adriana LaGrange stated that early detection substantially boosts survival rates. The province aims to increase already high screening rates even further.
This phased approach will allow individuals aged 40 to 44 to receive free mammograms with an initial doctor's referral before full changes are implemented next April. Currently, individuals aged 45 and older can self-refer for mammograms without out-of-pocket costs, with all medically necessary mammograms covered if doctor-referred.
This marks the second age reduction for mammograms in under a decade, following a 2022 change that lowered the regular screening age from 50 to 45. The government estimates this expansion will make an additional 193,000 Albertans eligible for screening.
In parallel, Alberta is allocating $2.25 million to a new oncofertility program, focused on preserving fertility for cancer patients before treatment. This program is also slated for implementation within the next 12 months, addressing a key concern for many patients regarding future parenthood.