Earlier this week, a change was made to Breast Cancer screening eligibility was made for women in Saskatchewan, with required age lowered to 45-years-old.
This change is part of a strategy to lower the screening age within the province to 40-years-old within the next 12 months. Lowering the screening age is aimed towards detecting breast cancer at an earlier age.
To be eligible, women must be of the appropriate age at the time of booking:
-have no breast symptoms, such as lumps, bloody nipple discharge or skin changes
-do not have breast implants
-not be in active follow-up for breast cancer
-have been breast cancer-free for the last five years.
“Screening mammograms are one of the best ways to catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill in a release from the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “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.”
"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."
"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, Provincial Clinical and Support Services, 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."
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s Screening Program for Breast Cancer is now referred to as BreastCheck.
The mobile Mammography Unit which recently passed through Humboldt is one way to schedule a mammography. There are also eight designated screening locations in Saskatchewan.
For information regarding screening appointments, locations and operating hours, individuals can call BreastCheck toll-free at 1-855-584-8228. To learn more, visit saskcancer.ca/BreastCheck.