Generating solutions

Currently, mammography is used to screen for breast cancer in women over 50 years of age. While screening younger women could have significant benefits in terms of early detection and intervention, it is simply not economical. What’s needed is a way of identifying those who are most at risk, based on a wide variety of factors.

The team led by Drs. Jacques Simard and Bartha-Maria Knoppers are developing just such a screening program so that women with a high risk of breast cancer will be identified―and tested―sooner. Younger women who are currently missed by agebased screening will have their cancer caught at an earlier stage, leading to better treatment, improved prognosis and lower costs for the healthcare system.