Breast cancer outcomes show regional variations
May 20, 2026
Global Korean Post
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The Statistics Canada published today Health Reports, which is a new national study entitled “Geographic variation in female breast cancer incidence and mortality in Canada”.
The study found significant geographic differences in both breast cancer diagnoses and deaths among females in Canada, underscoring that where people live may influence their cancer risk and outcomes.
With data from the Canadian Cancer Registry and national death records, researchers examined invasive breast cancer incidence from 2010 to 2020 and breast cancer mortality from 2010 to 2022.
Overall, after age standardization, breast cancer incidence averaged 140 cases per 100,000 females each year, while breast cancer mortality stood at 28 deaths per 100,000 females. However, these figures mask wide variation across provinces, territories and communities.
Age-standardized breast cancer incidence rates were highest in certain urban centres with large immigrant and racialized populations (i.e., peer group B communities, with 138.5 cases per 100,000 females), as well as in some rural regions in Quebec, Ontario and the Prairies (i.e., peer group D communities, with 133.5 cases per 100,000 females).
In contrast, rates were lowest in large metropolitan areas, such as Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver (i.e., peer group G communities, with 129.3 cases per 100,000 females), and in northern and remote regions (i.e., peer group F communities, with 106.1 cases per 100,000 females). Additionally, northern and remote regions recorded the youngest average age at diagnosis (58.4 years compared with the national average of 62.7 years).
Most breast cancer cases—about three-quarters—were diagnosed at earlier stages (stages I and II), though stage-specific incidence varied by geography, perhaps suggesting differences in screening, in access to care or in underlying risk factors.
The pronounced regional variation in breast cancer outcomes described in today’s study highlights the importance of considering the implications of geography, as well as individual-level characteristics, on a person’s health.
by Global Korean Post
