Project Overview

The Breast Cancer Screening Collaborative Quality Improvement Plan (cQIP) is a system-wide initiative focused on increasing breast cancer screening rates across the KW4 region, with a particular focus on neighbourhoods where screening rates are currently lower than the provincial average.

This work combines public outreach, community partnerships, and provider education to encourage eligible individuals to participate in regular mammography screening. By increasing awareness and reducing barriers to screening, the initiative aims to support earlier detection and improve health outcomes for people in the community.

Purpose

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ontario. Screening is designed for individuals who do not have symptoms but may be at risk of developing cancer.

Regular breast cancer screening can:

  • Lower the chance of dying from breast cancer
  • Detect cancer earlier when treatment is more effective
  • Reduce the need for more invasive treatments

In the KW4 region, the percentage of eligible individuals who are up to date with mammography screening fell below the provincial average beginning in 2023. Screening rates also vary significantly across neighbourhoods.

As of 2024/25 (Q4), screening rates ranged from 68.2% in N3A to 49.4% in N2C, representing an 18.8% difference between neighbourhoods.

This initiative aims to close these gaps and ensure more residents can benefit from early detection.

Key Objectives

The initiative focuses on increasing the percentage of eligible individuals who are up to date with breast cancer screening.

Key Indicator:
Percentage of screen-eligible individuals aged 50–74 who are up to date with a mammogram.

Priority Neighbourhoods:

  • N2C
  • N2E
  • N2G
  • N2H
  • N2M
  • N2R

Current Performance: 54.5%

2025–2026 Target: 57.2%

Intended Impact: Improved breast cancer screening participation, earlier detection of cancer, and more equitable access to preventative care across the region.

Who This Initiative Supports

  • Individuals aged 50–74 who are eligible for routine breast cancer screening
  • Residents living in neighbourhoods with lower screening rates
  • Communities facing barriers to accessing preventative care

Strategic Alignment

  • Keeping people well through prevention, early detection, and health promotion
  • Encouraging proactive health decisions through education and community engagement
  • Promoting culturally responsive health education and preventative care
  • Empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health

Project Leadership & Collaboration

This initiative is supported through collaboration across health system partners, community organizations, and local municipalities.

Partners & Collaborators include:

  • African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo
  • City of Kitchener
  • City of Waterloo
  • Community Care Concepts
  • Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo
  • Immigration Partnership
  • Independent Living Waterloo Region
  • KW Habilitation
  • New Vision Family Health Team
  • Region of Waterloo
  • University of Waterloo
  • Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN)
  • Waterloo Region Health Network Foundation
  • Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
  • Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program
  • Woolwich Community Health Centre

These partnerships help expand outreach, improve education, and support community-informed approaches to increasing screening participation.