REGINA — More Saskatchewan women will be able to access breast cancer screening starting Jan. 1 as a step in cancer early detection. Starting Jan. 1, women between the ages of 47 to 49 will be eligible for a screening mammogram.
A health-care provider's referral is not needed to book an appointment.
The current breast screening eligibility ages are 50 to 74 but will be gradually lowered as part of a phased approach over the next 18 months to include ages 40 to 49. The next phase will begin on June 1, when breast screening will be open to women between the ages of 45 to 47.
A breast screening mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that plays an important role in finding breast cancer early. Most healthy women should have a screening mammogram every two years. To be eligible, women must be the appropriate age, and:
- have no breast symptoms, such as lumps, discharge, or skin changes;
- not have breast implants;
- not in active follow-up for breast cancer; and
- have been cancer-free for five years.
Women who are the eligible age can book a mammogram at any of the eight screening locations in Saskatchewan. To book an appointment, or for more information on mammogram wait times, hours of operation and to find the nearest location, call 1-855-584-8228 toll-free. Another screening option is the Mobile Mammography Unit, which visits locations in rural and remote northern Saskatchewan every year.
Approximately 75 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed through the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s Screening Program for Breast Cancer are early stage. Screening mammograms are for healthy women, while diagnostic mammograms are for women who have breast symptoms.
Women who experience breast symptoms or concerns at any age, or who would like to know more about their risk for breast cancer, should speak with a health-care provider, or go to a walk-in clinic to discuss next steps.
“With regular screening mammograms, changes in the breast can be detected even when they are too small for your healthcare provider to feel or see,” said Karen Efthimiou, vice president of Population Health, Quality and Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “Early detection can and has saved lives—it can allow for more effective treatment options and better outcomes for Saskatchewan women.”
Expanding the breast eligibility age to 40 will increase the eligible population by approximately 76,000 women. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health have been actively planning for the increased demand for breast screening mammograms including capacity, to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation.
The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan has already committed the funding to support the purchase of an additional digital mammography machine in Regina and Saskatoon and a second mobile mammography unit, which will double the capacity of both screening locations and increase accessibility for the rural and northern populations once the units are installed and operational.
