Women in Saskatchewan aged 45 and older are now eligible for breast cancer screening mammograms, as a key change to the province’s screening program took effect this week.
The move is part of a phased plan to gradually lower the age of eligibility to 40 over the next year, with the aim of improving early detection and health outcomes for women across the province.
“Screening mammograms are one of the best ways to catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “Our government is committed to making sure women in Saskatchewan have access to safe, high-quality breast health care and the support they need, right in their own communities.”
This change is expected to expand access to early detection services, which currently lead to roughly 75 per cent of breast cancers being diagnosed in their early stages through the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s screening program, now operating under the name BreastCheck.
"Starting breast screening at age 45 is a powerful step in taking control of your health," said Karen Efthimiou, Vice President of Population Health, Quality and Research at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. "Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes. It saves lives. Don’t wait for symptoms — be proactive and get screened."
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A breast screening mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that can detect cancer before symptoms appear. Screening is recommended every two years for healthy women who meet the eligibility criteria, and no referral is needed.
To qualify, women must:
- Be 45 years of age or older at the time of booking.
- Have no current breast symptoms such as lumps, bloody nipple discharge or skin changes.
- Not have breast implants.
- Not be in active follow-up for breast cancer.
- Have been cancer-free for at least five years.
Appointments can be scheduled at one of eight designated screening sites across the province. The Mobile Mammography Unit also continues to provide services to rural and remote communities throughout the year.
"Providing screening mammography to eligible individuals starting at age 45 is a meaningful step toward making early breast cancer detection more accessible and inclusive,” said Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services at the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Behind every screening is someone’s mother, sister, daughter or friend — and early detection can make all the difference in improving outcomes and saving lives."
To help meet growing demand, breast screening sites in Regina and Saskatoon recently added one mammography machine each, funded by more than $2 million raised by the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.
Screening mammograms are for individuals with no symptoms. Those experiencing breast concerns or who want more information about personal risk factors should consult a health-care provider or visit a walk-in clinic.