Saskatchewan Lowers Mammogram Screening Age to 43 for Women

Women aged 43 and older in Saskatchewan can now access screening mammograms without a referral from a healthcare provider. This initiative, effective from January 1, 2024, is part of the Saskatchewan government’s effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer. Over the next six months, the age limit for screening mammograms will gradually be lowered to 40.

By making this change, the government aims to enable more women to receive timely diagnoses, which can lead to improved treatment outcomes. Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Health, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “By lowering the breast cancer screening age, more Saskatchewan women will be able to receive an earlier diagnosis, leading to more lives saved.”

The updated eligibility criteria is expected to increase access to early detection breast screening services and enhance the effectiveness of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s BreastCheck program. According to the agency, approximately 75 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the province are detected in the early stages, which significantly improves survival rates.

Enhanced Access to Screening Services

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

The Saskatchewan Health Authority also supports this initiative. Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services, remarked, “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. The best protection is early detection.”

Eligible women can schedule their screening mammograms at one of eight designated locations across Saskatchewan or through the Mobile Mammography Unit, which will operate in four communities in southeast Saskatchewan over the next four months.

Eligibility Criteria and Scheduling Information

To qualify for a screening mammogram, women must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:

– Being aged 43 or older at the time of booking
– Having no breast symptoms, such as lumps or skin changes
– Not having breast implants
– Not being under active follow-up for breast cancer
– Being breast cancer-free for the last five years

It is recommended that women undergo screening mammograms every two years. Appointments for the Mobile Mammography Unit can be made approximately six weeks in advance of their visits.

The Mobile Mammography Unit will be in the following locations during the winter and spring of 2024:

– Estevan: Ramada by Wyndham Estevan, January 5 – February 20, 2024
– Carnduff: Carnduff Memorial Park, February 23 – March 6, 2024
– Carlyle: Carlyle Curling Club, March 9 – March 27, 2024
– Moosomin: Canalta Hotel, March 30 – April 24, 2024

Women interested in scheduling a screening mammogram can call 1-855-584-8228 or email [email protected] for more information. The phone lines are open from 08:00 to 16:30 local time. For additional details on appointment scheduling, locations, and operating hours, individuals can visit the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s website at saskcancer.ca/BreastCheck.

This initiative reflects the Saskatchewan government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for women across the province. By prioritizing early detection, the government aims to ultimately save lives and enhance the quality of care for its residents.