Saskatchewan observes breast cancer awareness month

October 21, 2026

Media Release, Health, Gov't SK

Key points from this story:

• Routine screening for women 40 and older
• Mobile mammography units serve 42 communities
• Regina Breast Health Centre opened April 2025
• Regina centre received nearly 2,700 referrals
• More than $15 million invested since 2023-24
• 37,500 screening mammograms in 2025-26

The Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) continue to work together to improve access to timely, high-quality breast health services, closer to home. "Our Patients First Health Care Plan is focused on ensuring patients receive the right care, from the right provider, at the right time and as close to home as possible," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "By expanding screening eligibility, increasing diagnostic capacity and investing in specialized breast health services, we are helping more women access the care they need when they need it."

Since 2023-24, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $15 million in breast health initiatives and enhancements. The 2026-27 Provincial Budget includes an additional $397,000 to support operations at the Regina and Saskatoon Breast Health Centres.

Key initiatives to improve breast health services across Saskatchewan include:

• Expanded screening eligibility: As of July 2026, women aged 40 and older can access routine screening mammograms through BreastCheck, expanding eligibility to approximately 76,000 more women.
• Mobile screening in rural and northern communities: Two new, state-of-the-art, custom-built mobile mammography units provide screening services to 42 rural and northern communities, improving access for women who may otherwise need to travel.
• Coordinated care in Regina: The Regina Breast Health Centre, which opened in April 2025, brings diagnostic imaging, biopsies, specialist consultations, patient navigation and rehabilitation supports together in one location. Since opening, the centre has received nearly 2,700 referrals.
• Increased diagnostic capacity: Saskatchewan continues to expand access to diagnostic mammograms and biopsies through services across the province, additional capacity in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, and temporary diagnostic services in Calgary for patients requiring urgent breast diagnostic procedures.
• Workforce recruitment and retention: The SHA continues to recruit and retain medical radiation technologists, ultrasound technologists and radiologists specializing in breast imaging to support timely screening, diagnosis and treatment.

"Expanding access to breast health services is especially important for women in rural and northern Saskatchewan to ensure they can access the care they need as close to home as possible," Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "Through the Patients First Health Care Plan, we are working to make care more accessible and connected, so patients and families can get the support they need throughout their health care journey."

In the 2025-26 fiscal year, Saskatchewan performed more than 37,500 screening mammograms, the highest annual total in five years. More than 74,600 diagnostic mammograms were also performed across the province. These services help identify potential concerns and support timely follow-up when further assessment is needed.

The SHA and SCA continue to improve access and coordination of services from screening and diagnosis through treatment and recovery. "Throughout the province, our teams provide patients and their families with compassionate, patient-centred care," Saskatchewan Health Authority Interim Executive Director of Medical Imaging Brenda Lock said. "From screening and diagnostic imaging to treatment and support, early detection saves lives. Our focus on enhancing diagnostic capacity, care delivery and technology province-wide is improving access to care that's closer to home."

"We encourage eligible women to take advantage of breast cancer screening mammography through BreastCheck," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Population Health, Quality and Research Vice President Karen Efthimiou said. "Regular screening mammograms play an important role in early detection. With BreastCheck now available to women ages 40 and older, more Saskatchewan women can access screening through our network of eight screening centres and two Mobile Mammography Units operated in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority."

The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to putting patients first by expanding access to care and ensuring patients receive safe, reliable services when they need them.