Supplemental screening for people with Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) D density

In December 2023, based on guidance from the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, Ontario Health released a recommendation to the Ministry of Health to publicly fund supplemental screening as an adjunct to mammography for people with BI-RADS D density (i.e., people with extremely dense breasts).

At this time, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) recommendation for screening people with BI-RADS D density has not changed. Supplemental screening is not currently considered part of the OBSP, and the program will continue to recall average risk participants with BI-RADS D density for a screening mammogram one year after their last mammogram. However, recognizing patients with BI-RADS D density may have questions about supplemental screening, we have prepared some information for primary care clinicians.

Please click here for the memo that provides information on the Ontario Health recommendation and health technology assessment as well as information for primary care clinicians on supplemental screening. Information on supplemental screening for breast cancer has also been added to the Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) provider website on breast density in English and French.