When I was diagnosed with stage 4, hormone-positive HER2-positive breast cancer in early 2019, I never imagined I’d become a living, breathing business case for healthcare policy change. But here I am—not just a survivor, but a walking testament to why Alberta’s recent decision to lower the breast cancer screening age is both medically and economically sound.
My Story in Numbers
The mathematics of my situation are stark and compelling:
- Cost of a mammogram: Under $100
- Cost to keep me alive with stage 4 breast cancer: $516,415* (based on an average 3-year life expectancy)
- My actual treatment cost to Alberta’s healthcare system: Over $1.2 million and counting
I was fortunate to respond well to treatment and have far exceeded the typical life expectancy for my diagnosis. While I’m grateful for every day and every dollar invested in keeping me here, the economic reality is undeniable: early detection would have boatloads of millions of dollars and immeasurable suffering many Alberta women.
A Victory Seven Years in the Making
If you haven’t already heard the news that validates what I, and many others, have been advocating for: On April 22, 2026, the Government of Alberta announced it is lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40, effective April 1, 2027.
This much-needed change is an important shift in healthcare policy, bringing Alberta in line with most of the other Canadian jurisdictions. CBC News Radio Calgary covered the story, and you can hear my preliminary reaction in the radio clip below.
For a more in-depth understanding of why I have been such a strong advocate for earlier screening, you can read today’s CBC News article “Alberta woman wants breast cancer screening changes to start now.”
This change will not only save lives and healthcare dollars, but will also spare countless women from the preventable, incredibly harsh treatments that come with late-stage diagnoses. Early detection means gentler interventions and better outcomes for everyone.
As someone who is living with terminal cancer and dealing with the devastating reality of late-stage diagnosis, I know firsthand how different my story could have been with earlier screening. I wouldn’t wish what I have endured, and continue to live through, on anyone. Those of you who know me understand that staying silent was never an option—and before I knew it, I found myself advocating for earlier access to screening at both federal and provincial levels.
The Business Case is Simple
The numbers speak for themselves:
- One mammogram: <$100
- My treatment: >$1.2 million
- The ROI: 12,000:1
When you multiply this across the hundreds of women who could benefit from earlier detection, the economic argument becomes overwhelming. But beyond the dollars, we’re talking about mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, and friends who deserve the chance for early intervention.
Why This Change Matters Now
Every day we delay implementing broader screening guidelines, we miss opportunities for early detection. Every woman diagnosed at stage 4 instead of stage 1 represents not just a personal tragedy, but a healthcare system that could work smarter, not just harder.
The business case is quite simple, which is why I wish this change could be effective immediately. While I celebrate this policy victory, I also think about all the women who might be saved from a late-stage diagnosis if this could be implemented today, rather than waiting another year. Every month of delay represents missed opportunities for early detection that could change lives—and save the healthcare system millions of dollars.
Moving Forward
Alberta’s decision to expand breast cancer screening represents progress, hope, and sound fiscal policy all rolled into one. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most compassionate choice is also the most economical one.
Here’s to a future where more women’s stories begin and end with a simple, life-saving mammogram.
My PSA to Alberta women
Please go and have your lemons squished now!
If my advocacy has given you hope, or even inspired you, please consider sending a gift by clicking here. Living with terminal cancer comes with significant costs, and your gift helps me stay afloat.
Thank you for your support.
Sources
* Wilkinson, A. N., Seely, J. M., Rushton, M., Williams, P., Cordeiro, E., Allard-Coutu, A., Look Hong, N. J., Moideen, N., Robinson, J., Renaud, J., Mainprize, J. G., & Yaffe, M. J. (2023, August 26). Capturing the true cost of breast cancer treatment: Molecular subtype and stage-specific per-case activity-based costing. Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.).