Mr. Speaker, one in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. There are many factors that can increase a woman's risk for breast cancer, including family history, genetics and breast density. Racialized women are more likely to develop cancer at a younger age, and Black women are 40% more likely to die from it.
The Canadian Cancer Society, Dense Breasts Canada, Breast Cancer Canada and the Canadian Association of Radiologists are all calling for the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to revise its guidelines so that breast cancer screening can start before age 50. They want screening to start at age 40 and extend beyond 75, yet the Liberal Minister of Health refuses to overturn the out-of-date federal guidelines, putting women's lives at risk.
We know early detection and treatment saves lives. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at 48 years old and died less than a year later.
Any women who have been putting it off should talk to their doctor or book a mammogram today. Everyone out there in a battle with cancer should know that we are all cheering them on.