Saskatchewan Lowers Mammogram Screening Age to 43 for Women

Beginning January 1, 2024, women aged 43 and older in Saskatchewan will be eligible for screening mammograms without needing a doctor’s referral. This adjustment by the Saskatchewan government is part of a strategy to enhance early detection of breast cancer and aims to gradually lower the screening age to 40 within the next six months.

Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s Health Minister, emphasized the significance of this policy change, stating, “By lowering the breast cancer screening age, more Saskatchewan women will be able to receive an earlier diagnosis, leading to more lives saved.” This initiative is designed to ensure that women have easier access to essential health services closer to home.

The new eligibility criteria will expand access to early detection services, aligning with the objectives of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s BreastCheck program. Notably, approximately 75 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the province are identified in their early stages.

Karen Efthimiou, Vice President of Population Health, Quality and Research at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, expressed pride in this expanded eligibility. “This initiative emphasizes our commitment to early detection, which leads to more treatment options and improves outcomes,” she noted. “We’re excited to invite women aged 43 and up to schedule their first screening mammogram.”

In addition to increasing access, Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, highlighted the empowering nature of this change. “Expanding breast screening eligibility to include women 43 years and older will empower even more women to make proactive, informed decisions about the best ways to protect their health,” he stated. “The best protection is early detection.”

Eligible women can book their appointments directly at one of the eight designated screening locations throughout Saskatchewan or through the Mobile Mammography Unit, which will be visiting four communities in the southeast over the next four months.

To qualify for a screening mammogram, women must meet several criteria, including:
– No breast symptoms, such as lumps, bloody nipple discharge, or skin changes
– No breast implants
– Not in active follow-up for breast cancer
– Breast cancer-free for the last five years

Most women are recommended to undergo a screening mammogram every two years. The Mobile Mammography Unit provides an essential service, particularly for those in rural and northern areas. This unit operates on a two-year cycle, allowing women to schedule appointments about six weeks in advance of its visits.

This winter and spring, the Mobile Mammography Unit will be available at the following locations:
– Estevan Ramada by Wyndham: January 5–February 20, 2024
– Carnduff Memorial Park: February 23–March 6, 2024
– Carlyle Curling Club: March 9–March 27, 2024
– Canalta Hotel in Moosomin: March 30–April 24, 2024

Women can call 1-855-584-8228 to book their screening mammogram appointments or email [email protected] for more information. For further details on scheduling, locations, and operating hours, individuals can visit saskcancer.ca/BreastCheck.

This initiative marks a significant step in improving breast cancer screening accessibility for women in Saskatchewan, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better health outcomes.