Sask. women 45+ can now self-refer for breast screening mammograms, but awareness, capacity issues continue

Saskatchewan women age 45 and older can now self-refer for screening mammograms without a doctor’s requisition as part of a phased strategy to gradually lower the age for screening to 40 by June 2026. The latest age drop went into effect on June 30. This change has been long-awaited by experts, advocates, and survivors, but there are concerns that the province is not doing enough to inform women in their mid-forties that they now qualify.

Mandy Kasper, a cancer survivor and provincial manager of Saskatchewan for the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, expressed the need for increased communication about the age drop. She highlighted that many women may not be aware of the change unless they are actively seeking information. Jennie Dale, founder and executive director of Dense Breasts Canada, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns to ensure that women take advantage of the new screening age.

Since Ontario lowered the age for mammogram screening to women in their forties in 2024, the average uptake across the province has been approximately 14 percent. Dale emphasized the need for a significant increase in these numbers in Saskatchewan and suggested mailing reminder and invitation letters to eligible women as an effective method of communication.

Both Dale and Kasper recommended that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) educate physicians about the age drop, provide signage and information pamphlets in doctors’ offices, and launch widespread communication campaigns across all social media platforms. The goal is to make self-referrals for mammogram screening as accessible and routine as other preventive healthcare appointments.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), which provides mammogram screening, has been actively promoting breast screening through social media posts and community outreach. The agency has also increased capacity for screening mammograms in Regina, Saskatoon, and satellite centers in other regions of the province. Leah Palmer, an early detection manager at SCA, emphasized the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment and the agency’s commitment to making screening mammograms easily accessible.

Despite the positive steps taken to lower the age for screening mammograms, concerns have been raised about the capacity of the healthcare system to handle an influx of screenings. Lisa Vick, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, highlighted the existing challenges in meeting wait times for women with signs of breast cancer. She emphasized the need for improved communication between patients, doctors, and the SHA to address the backlog of screenings and ensure timely access to diagnostic scans.

As the province continues to lower the age for screening mammograms, it will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure that all eligible women are informed and able to access this important preventive healthcare service. Increased communication, outreach efforts, and a focus on improving healthcare system capacity will be key in successfully implementing this phased strategy for breast cancer screening in Saskatchewan.