Were just a number: Advocates call on Nova Scotia to reassess breast-screening policy – Halifax [Video]

Advocates are speaking out about Nova Scotia’s breast-screening policies after the federal health minister temporarily paused the work of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, opting for an external expert review.

The review requested by Holland revealed the structure, governance and methodology used by the task force requires further examination.

Jennie Dale, executive director of Dense Breasts Canada, voiced the organization’s concerns to the review board.

She said the task force is putting the lives of Canadians at risk, especially those who are affected by their guidelines, which oppose supplemental breast screening.

“The task force lacks accountability, credibility, ethics, it doesn’t use current evidence, and it does not use the input from experts,” Dale said. “The health minister recognized the dangers of that task force.”

A petition to reverse Holland’s decision was signed by Dr. Siân Iles, medical adviser to the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program.

“To find those cancers with MRI or …