Long Mammography Waits Create Barriers to Early Detection in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, residents face mammography wait times that can exceed 30 weeks, far above what is considered timely in many other regions. The Fondation du cancer du sein du Québec is sounding the alarm as October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — brings renewed attention to screening gaps that can delay early detection and affect outcomes.
Context and Consequences
Karine-Iseult Ippersiel, the president and CEO of the foundation, stresses the essential link between screening and survival. She says, “Finding cancer early means a cure, a less invasive treatment path, and a much better survival rate.” For many in the region, wait times have stayed well beyond prior benchmarks, with Abitibi-Témiscamingue often above the 25-week mark and now reaching over 30 weeks for a mammography.
Provincial Targets vs. Regional Realities
Quebec has set a provincial objective of a six-week turnaround for access to a mammography, while the provincial average sits at roughly 2 to 11 weeks. The gap between policy goals and lived experience underscores resource constraints within the health system. Ippersiel notes that the problem is not isolated to one area; other regions, including Saguenay and the Outaouais, are also grappling with delays, signaling a broader challenge to screening access across the province.
Implications for Screening and Outcomes
Early detection is closely tied to improved outcomes in breast cancer, including higher survival rates and less invasive treatment options. Delays in obtaining a mammography can prolong the time before cancer is identified and treated, potentially impacting prognosis. The foundation’s statements align with October’s public awareness efforts, encouraging women to stay vigilant about screening, even as system bottlenecks persist.
Policy Considerations and Future Steps
Beyond addressing immediate wait times, the discussion touches on broader policy questions. Ippersiel highlights the potential relevance of lowering the starting age for screening. While the current guidelines focus on women aged 50 to 74, expanding access could improve early detection in underserved regions where wait times are longest. The Foundation calls for sustained investment in radiology resources, personnel, and streamlined pathways to shorten delays and bring care closer to those who need it.
What Communities Can Do
In the near term, health authorities can improve appointment availability, refine scheduling systems, and prioritize high-risk populations to reduce wait times. For residents of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the message is clear: screening saves lives, and timely access is critical to maximizing the benefits of early detection and treatment.
