Stratford – Opposition Leader James Aylward is committing to improving breast density screening information for Island women and is calling on the provincial government to do the same.

“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women making early screening and detection so vital to healthy outcomes. Improving access to information about breast density will build on the success of existing screening programs to help Island women who may not realize they are at risk,” said Aylward.

Breast density is determined by a radiologist by reviewing a mammogram. However, dense breasts can mask cancer in mammogram results which makes it important that women with dense breasts be notified so that further screening can be done. Approximately forty per cent of women over the age of 40 have dense breasts but most are unaware.

Currently most jurisdictions don’t notify women being screened for breast cancer if they have dense breasts which increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Recently, a public advocacy campaign spearheaded by former Islander Kathy Kaufield, Tell Me My Breast Density, has secured commitments from the governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to have breast density information shared with women along with their mammogram results.

“I am calling on the government to commit to having information about breast density shared with Island women when they receive their mammogram results. This would build on the success of current breast cancer screening and would support improved screening goals outlined in the PEI Cancer Strategy,” said Aylward.