Expanding Capacity and AI Readiness: Canada’s Mammography Market Advances Toward Digital Precision

Canada’s healthcare system is intensifying efforts to strengthen breast cancer screening infrastructure as incidence continues to rise. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Canadian women. Screening demand is increasing due to early detection programs and an aging population. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec are modernizing their screening networks through renewed federal as well as provincial funding. The Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Initiative (CBCSI) is supporting policy alignment and equity goals. Upgrades to full-field digital mammography and tomosynthesis are helping reduce urban-rural disparities.

As per Hospital Intel Suite (HiS), Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia together host more than 75 percent of Canada’s installed mammography systems, reflecting their strong academic networks and high screening volumes. This concentration highlights the need for renewed investment in other provinces to achieve broader access. Private diagnostic centers handle most outpatient screenings, while academic and cancer hospitals manage multi-unit fleets for advanced detection as well as clinical research. Meanwhile, mobile and hub-based screening models are extending outreach to underserved regions.

Opportunities are emerging as provinces replace older mammography units with lower-dose and higher-resolution systems. Many screening programs are also adopting AI-assisted triage to manage workload pressures and improve exam prioritization. Mobile and hub-based models remain essential for reaching northern and rural communities, where access gaps persist. These developments reflect a clear shift toward modernized digital screening infrastructure across Canada and highlight where renewal needs are most concentrated.