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Women aged 40 and older are now eligible for screening mammograms through Saskatchewan’s BreastCheck program, a move that has been applauded by the Canadian Cancer Society
“We know this change means that more breast cancer in Saskatchewan will be found at an earlier stage when treatment is much more likely to be successful,” senior manager of advocacy Angeline Webb said in an interview.
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- Saskatchewan’s new mobile mammography unit will start screening patients in January
- New mammography machines to help speed up screenings in Regina, Saskatoon
- Saskatchewan lowers age for women eligible for screening mammograms
“We know that when we catch it early, people are more likely to survive, and plus it’s cheaper for the health system. When people are diagnosed early, it’s much better, easier to treat, and much less expensive.”
The province has been gradually lowering the age requirement for the program through a phased approach that began in January of 2025, when the program was only open to women 50 and older. The reduction in the minimum age from 43 to 40 this week represents the final stage in that process.
According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the change means about 76,000 more women are now eligible for the breast cancer screening service. In the province, about 75 per cent of breast cancers are detected at an early stage through screening programs, the province noted.
“The lowering of the screening age from 50 to 40 years of age over the past 18 months is putting patients first by ensuring more women across Saskatchewan can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s health minister, said in a statement.
The screening is performed through a low-dose X-ray of breast tissue, the province explained, and women can book an appointment on their own or through a referral from a health provider. Along with the age requirement, women are eligible for screening if they have no breast symptoms, do not have breast implants and have been free of breast cancer for at least five years and are not in an active breast cancer follow-up process.
BreastCheck mammograms are routine examinations, the ministry of health noted, and are not diagnostic mammograms for those who are experiencing breast symptoms.
“Women who have concerns or experience symptoms, regardless of age, should speak with a health care provider or visit a walk-in clinic for further guidance,” the ministry said.
Most women should undergo a screening mammogram every two years, the ministry added. In Saskatchewan, the screening services are offered in eight locations, along with two mobile mammography units that travel to rural and northern communities.
“Regular screening is an important way to look after your health, as it can detect changes early, often before symptoms develop,” Karen Efthimiou, vice president of population health, quality and research with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, said in a statement.
“We encourage women to book their first screening mammogram and make it part of their routine care.”
Kevin Harem vice president of provincial, clinical and support services for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said every woman deserves to know that the health system is working for their benefit.
“By opening breast screening to women starting at age 40, more individuals can take an active role in decisions regarding their breast health and participate in early detection,” Hare said in a statement.
“The women in our communities deserve nothing less, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority is proud to be part of making that happen.”
David Tran, director of population health for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, called it a “great milestone.”
“Since we started the rolldown in January 2025 we’ve had over 2,000 women complete either their screening mammography or have one booked,” he said.
“And even just talking to the staff today, we’ve been receiving quite a bit of calls from this newly eligible age group wanting to book their screening mammogram, which is great.”
Webb said only four provinces remain that haven’t lowered the age to 40, but Manitoba and Alberta will be doing so within the next 12 months.
She explained that part of the reason the society advocated for the change was a push from patients.
“We’ve also heard from a lot of patients who were frustrated that they didn’t have a healthcare provider to give them to give them a referral if they chose to get screened earlier, so that’s why we supported these changes.”
— with files from 980 CJME’s Geoff Smith
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