New Mobile Mammogram Units Launched in Alberta to Enhance Screening

Two new mobile mammogram units are now operational in Alberta, thanks to generous donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in March 2025, these units are designed to improve early detection of breast cancer across the province, reaching areas that may otherwise lack access to such services.

The mobile units, resembling ordinary tractor-trailer rigs, bring essential screening services directly to communities. Mary Mueller, a resident living an hour-and-a-half north of Edmonton, emphasizes the convenience of these mobile services, stating, “I would rather have to drive 20 minutes for a 10-minute appointment than an hour and a half through traffic and ice.” She highlights the importance of early detection, sharing how a friend in Fort Vermilion benefited from the program when her breast cancer was discovered in its early stages.

Mobile Units Reach 120 Communities

The newly launched mobile units will visit 120 communities across Alberta, including 28 indigenous communities. Each community will receive screenings annually, according to Chidinma Okoli, health promotion facilitator for Screen Test, which operates under the umbrella of Primary Care Alberta.

“This is for screening mammograms, and it’s for individuals who have no breast problems or breast symptoms,” Okoli explained. If any abnormalities are detected, patients are referred to a diagnostic facility. The program collaborates with local health staff to spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings and what individuals can expect during their appointments.

Community visits vary in duration, with smaller hamlets receiving services for one day and larger centers extending up to ten days. The program welcomes women aged 45 to 74, who are typically advised to undergo screening every two years. Those aged 40 to 44 may be recommended for annual screenings based on personal and family health histories.

Prospective clients can make appointments by calling 1-800-667-0604, and details about the locations are available online at screeningforlife.ca. While reservations are encouraged, some walk-ins are accepted. Test results are typically available within a few weeks and can be accessed through patients’ online health accounts.

Importance of Early Detection

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 2,600 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer monthly, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the country. Early diagnosis is crucial, as the disease may not present symptoms in its initial stages, which can delay treatment options until it is more advanced.

“Screening tests help find breast cancer before any symptoms develop. When breast cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better,” the Canadian Cancer Society states on its website.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation played a significant role in funding the new mobile units, contributing $3 million towards their establishment. Megan Thomson, director of philanthropy for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, noted that an additional $1.2 million is still needed to fully cover the costs associated with the units. “Screening and catching cancer early is one of the best ways to improve survival rates,” Thomson said, emphasizing the program’s importance in Alberta.

The mobile screening initiative has been in operation for over three decades, serving approximately 560,000 patients to date. With advancements in technology, the new units feature more accurate machines and a layout designed to enhance patient comfort. Thomson remarked on the improvements, stating, “The old units were at end of life. Spending some time on the Alberta roads is rough.”

The Alberta Cancer Foundation continues to support all cancer centres in the province, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials. “We really want to make cancer go away. Prevention screening is a big part of that. If you catch it early, treatment options are better,” Thomson concluded.