In Saskatchewan, women are calling for faster mammogram wait times, a pressing issue that could significantly impact their health outcomes. The province's recent decision to lower the breast cancer screening age to 43, with plans to further reduce it to 40, has been widely praised. However, the long wait times for mammograms are a cause for concern.
The pressure on the healthcare system has led to wait times of almost a year for mammograms in Saskatchewan. This delay can have dire consequences for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivor Tammy Haas, diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative in April 2025, shares her harrowing experience. She was able to get a mammogram in March due to a cancellation, and her mass was only five centimeters. By the time she started cancer treatment six weeks later, the mass had grown to over eight centimeters, highlighting the importance of timely screenings.
Haas emphasizes the unfairness of patients having to fight for earlier appointments. She believes that in an ideal world, all tests should be completed within six weeks, and patients shouldn't have to advocate for their healthcare needs. This sentiment is echoed by patient advocate and breast cancer survivor Lisa Vick, who was diagnosed in September 2023. Despite the government's efforts, communication and accessibility remain challenges.
Vick's hope for improvement stems from a tour of the new breast center in Regina, which she believes will be a valuable resource for women in southern Saskatchewan. The center offers a streamlined process, including mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, and post-surgery support. However, women in northern Saskatchewan are referred to the breast health center in Saskatoon, where wait times can vary from one week to 11 months, depending on individual risk factors and clinical indications.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority acknowledges the concerns, stating that diagnostic breast imaging, including mammography, requires physician referral and is dependent on clinical indications and personal risk factors. They offer imaging in several communities and prioritize bookings based on urgency. Additionally, the Breast Check program provides mammogram screening for women aged 43 and older with no breast health symptoms, who have been breast cancer-free for more than five years, with wait times ranging from two weeks to four months.
Despite these measures, anxiety persists among patients, who wonder about the next steps in their healthcare journey. WeyStrong Cancer Support Services Inc. offers support through their Facebook page, aiming to educate and empower women to advocate for themselves in the healthcare system.
