High breast density is one of several breast cancer risk factors. Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) participants are increasingly interested in finding out their breast density from their screening mammogram and learning about their breast screening options. The BI-RADS breast density classification system is a measurement of breast density that a radiologist can determine from a screening mammogram.
OBSP recently launched a new initiative to enhance breast density reporting and increase OBSP participants’ understanding of how to access their breast density information. Here’s the scoop for primary care providers:
- The OBSP Screening Report we receive has been updated to ensure all OBSP screening mammogram reports list a BI-RADS breast density classification
- We can visit the new Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) webpage to learn more about breast density and breast cancer at: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/guidelines-advice/cancer-continuum/screening/breast-density-provider-information#howOntarioBreastScreeningProgram
- We can direct our patients to CCO’s new patient-facing webpage to learn more about breast density and breast cancer at: ca/breastdensity
- Our patients will now receive an updated version of the normal results letter, which will let participants know that they can access their breast density information from their healthcare provider. The updated two-year normal result letter can be found here: Ontario Breast Screening Program Normal Result Letter (2 Year) – Cancer Care Ontario
So, we primary care providers can expect that some patients will contact us with questions about their breast density. Since breast density is not a modifiable risk factor, this may leave patients worried. One helpful tool I recommend for patients to learn about modifiable risk factors is My cancer IQ, which can be found here: https://www.mycanceriq.ca
If you have any questions, please contact OBSP at CCO via email at obsp_pd@ontariohealth.ca
Sincerely,
Dr. Meghan Davis
Regional Primary Care Lead
HNHB Region