These regions in Canada face the highest rates of breast cancer, study reveals

MedicalWatch for May 9, 2026 brings you a story about research fighting an aggressive form of breast cancer with the help of AI.

Breast cancer risks are highest in rural regions in Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairies as well as in certain urban centres with large immigrant and racialized populations, according to a new Statistics Canada study.

In contrast, rates are lowest in large metropolitan areas including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

This data, concludes the analysis, highlights the need for more targeted prevention, screening and treatment strategies across Canada.

Researchers say there is a need for “closer examination of local social, economic, demographic and health system factors.”

Overall in Canada, 140 cases of invasive breast cancer per 100,000 females are diagnosed each year. The breast cancer mortality rate is at 28 deaths per 100,000 women.

More details to come.