Let's make it clear to politicians that strong scientific evidence and public demand exists for screening women in their 40s for breast cancer.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Ontario Region is calling on the provincial government to enable women at average risk in their 40s to access the Ontario Breast Screening Program, if recommended by a health care provider.

Now is the chance for you to speak out. Ontario women 40-49 cannot participate in high quality breast cancer screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. These services are available in other provinces including BC, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and PEI. We think it's time to send the government a message.

New breast cancer screening guidelines recommending against routine screening for average risk women aged 40-49 were issued by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care in late November 2011. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation responded immediately and ensured its position was heard.

The consensus of scientific evidence demonstrates that earlier detection and diagnosis through participation in an organized breast cancer screening program can reduce mortality for women 40-49 by an estimated 25 per cent. The Foundation is concerned that the Task Force's methodology and use of dated evidence have led them to over-estimate the “harms” of screening, while under-estimating its benefits. We know you are, too.