The mobile mammography bus is run by the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and is on the road in 2025.
The bus first departed on Jan. 6 and recently concluded its stints in Bengough (Feb. 18 to 21), Assiniboia (Feb. 24 to March 7), and Gravelbourg (Mar 17 to 28).
"The turnout was great. We're only at these sites limited time because we do have several sites that we visit each year. Overall, Assiniboia and Bengough were full, while Gravelbourg was 99% full. So, the response was very good," said Laurie Pearce, early detection coordinator for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
Now the bus pushes forward with 16 more sites to visit as the bus will be on the road all the way until the middle of December. The bus conducts screening mammograms for women 47 years of age and older in rural and northern Saskatchewan on a two-year rotation.
"Ultimately we want all our sites full of bookings for screening mammograms all the time, because that means people are taking advantage of this free test that could save their life," stated Pearce.
Appointments can be booked about six weeks before the bus arrives for women 47 and older with no breast symptoms. No doctor's referral is needed to schedule a screening mammogram. Call 1-855-584-8228 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to book your appointment for a screening mammogram or email ed.coordinators@saskcancer.ca for more information.
CLICK HERE for the list of remaining communities the mobile mammography bus will be stopping.