In order to reduce wait times for diagnostics in breast cancer patients, the provincial government has announced the continuation of contracted service providers from Alberta. The short-term extension was announced in a release of February 10.
The original agreement with a medical service provider in Calgary was established in November 2023. It’s now been extended to March 2026 as what the province calls a temporary measure to speed up urgent diagnostic procedures until the province puts in place facilities and services of its own.
The Out-of-Province program has reduced wait times for breast biopsies to within the clinically recommended target of three weeks.
"We are committed to ensuring Saskatchewan residents have access to safe, high quality, and timely breast health care services as we advance several measures to expand in-province capacity, implement new technologies and complete construction on the new Breast Health Centre in Regina," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "We appreciate the dedication from our health care teams to accelerate urgent diagnostic breast cancer procedures and treatments following a diagnosis."
Patients identified as eligible through screening by physicians and willing to travel to Calgary will receive diagnostic services based on their urgency, as determined by clinical evaluation. Those requiring urgent care will receive priority access, either within Saskatchewan or at the Calgary facility, depending on availability.
To support patients accessing out-of-province services, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will reimburse travel and accommodation expenses for the patient and one support person, to a maximum of $1,500. All medical expenses related to the diagnostic procedures will be fully covered by the Ministry of Health.
The province continues to work on initiatives to provide services closer to home including a new Creast Health Centre in Regina, expansion of screening, and additional capacity in existing facilities in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw.