Health Reports, May 2026

Released: 2026-05-20

Different places, different risks: Breast cancer outcomes are not equal everywhere

A new national study entitled "Geographic variation in female breast cancer incidence and mortality in Canada" is published today in Health Reports. 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. A unique feature and strength of the study is the use of Statistics Canada's health region peer groups, which classify health regions into comparable groups based on shared sociodemographic, economic and health system characteristics to enable more meaningful comparisons of health outcomes across Canada.

Overall incidence and mortality

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.

Regional variations

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.

Mortality patterns followed a different geographic picture. Death rates from breast cancer were highest in rural eastern regions and lowest in large urban centres. Such differences may be due to potential disparities in treatment access or follow-up care, as has been demonstrated in other studies.

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. This study points to the need for closer examination of local social, economic, demographic and health system factors, which could help inform more targeted prevention, screening and treatment strategies across Canada.

Products

The article "Geographic variation in female breast cancer incidence and mortality in Canada" is now available in the May 2026 online issue of Health Reports, Vol. 37, No. 05 (Catalogue number82-003-X).

This issue of Health Reports also contains the article "Enhancing the OncoSim-Breast model using Canadian breast density information."

Contact information

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).