Breast cancer screening in Canada, 2026
Other breast cancer screening modalities
On this page:
Use of 3D tomosynthesis* for breast screening
| P/T | Used for high risk | Used for average risk | Use of tomosynthesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| YT | ✓ | ✓ | Used on all screening exams since December 2020. |
| NT | ✓ | ✓ | Tomosynthesis available at all screening sites. |
| NU | 2D tomosynthesis used at Qikiqtani General Hospital. | ||
| BC | ✓ (research setting only) |
Only used for screening at two sites that are participating in national TMIST trial.*
Provided at some diagnostic settings throughout the province. |
|
| AB | ✓ | ✓ | Tomosynthesis used widely, with most sites on every screen. Province has modifier billing code. |
| SK | Currently used in diagnostic settings throughout the province. | ||
| MB | |||
| ON | Can be used for breast screening and assessment within the Ontario Breast Screening Program at sites that have the technology. | ||
| QC | Not recommended for screening. | ||
| NB | ✓ | ✓ | Not recommended for screening.
At sites with tomosynthesis, this may be recommended by a radiologist as individualized supplemental screening for individuals at increased or high-risk of breast cancer (per Feb 2022 Clinical Practice Guidelines). |
| NS | Not used in breast screening, but used in diagnostic imaging at multiple sites. | ||
| PE | Not used for screening, currently used in diagnostic settings throughout the province. | ||
| NL | Not used in breast screening, but used in diagnostic imaging (tomosynthesis work-up) at some sites. |
Data are current as of February 2026.
*Tomosynthesis (also known as 3D mammography): emerging technology that allows the breast to be viewed three-dimensionally.
MRI and ultrasound
| P/T | Use of MRI in high risk | Use of MRI in average risk | Use of ultrasound in high risk | Use of ultrasound in average risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YT | ✓ | Targeted only; whole breast screening with ultrasound not available | ||
| NT* | ✓
Suggested for breast density D over age of 45 |
|||
| NU | ✓* | |||
| BC | Some diagnostic sites provide supplemental testing in the province for patients with BI-RADS C and D density (outside of screening program) | |||
| AB | ✓ | ✓ Some sites use as supplemental for dense breasts or if patient cannot tolerate MRI |
✓* | |
| SK | ||||
| MB | ||||
| ON | ✓ | ✓ If MRI is not medically appropriate |
||
| QC | ||||
| NB | ✓
To be based upon clinical situation and radiologist recommendation |
✓
To be based upon clinical situation and radiologist recommendation |
✓
To be based upon clinical situation and radiologist recommendation |
✓
To be based upon clinical situation and radiologist recommendation |
| NS | ✓ | |||
| PE | ✓ | |||
| NL | ✓
Outside of organized program |
Data are current as of February 2026.
*Footnotes:
NT: Higher-than-average-risk (breast density D and age 45+); annual mammography and consider annual breast ultrasound.
NU: Ultrasound is used on all patients under 35.
AB: Can be used for breast tissue category D per AB CPG.