Younger and younger: Radiologist calls for updated cancer screening [Video]

Calgary radiologist and mammographer Dr. Ify Mckerlie has been at the forefront of breast health for decades, and she’s noticing a disturbing trend.

“Over the past 20 years doing this, women are being diagnosed with breast cancer younger and younger,” said Mckerlie. “It’s troubling.”

Recognizing the need for proactive measures, McKerlie has spearheaded the #Screen40 campaign, aimed at advocating for earlier breast cancer screening guidelines. Currently, Canadian guidelines recommend screening at age 50, based on outdated studies that fail to account for the changing landscape of breast cancer demographics.

Mckerlie wants to see this lowered to 40.

“The Canadian guidelines are based on a study that was from the 1980s. This study was flawed,” the radiologist said. She would like to see a more tailored approach that takes into account individual risk factors and demographic shifts.

Natalie Kwadrans’ story epitomizes this trend.

At the age of 46, just days after celebrating her birthday, she received the devastating news: stage 4 breast cancer.

“It’s …