Mammogram Eligibility Expands

by | Jan 9, 2026

By Carol Baldwin

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wakaw Recorder

As of January 1, women aged 43 and older in Saskatchewan are eligible for screening mammograms, an important expansion aimed at supporting early detection of breast cancer. This initiative is part of a broader plan to gradually lower the screening age to 40 within the next six months.

“By lowering the breast cancer screening age, more Saskatchewan women will be able to receive an earlier diagnosis, leading to more lives saved,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our government is putting patients first by supporting these investments, ensuring women get the care they need closer to home.”

This eligibility change will increase the number of women who can access early detection breast screening services, further supporting the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s BreastCheck screening program. Currently, approximately 75 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the province are detected in the early stages.

“We’re proud to again expand BreastCheck screening eligibility,” said Karen Efthimiou, Vice President of Population Health, Quality and Research at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. “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.”

“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,” said Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority. “The best protection is early detection.”

A screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of breast tissue that plays an important role in finding breast cancer early. Women can book an appointment without a referral from a health-care provider, as long as they are of the appropriate age at the time of booking and meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • have no breast symptoms, such as lumps, bloody nipple discharge or skin changes;
  • do not have breast implants;
  • not be in active follow-up for breast cancer; and
  • have been breast cancer-free for the last five years.

Most women are encouraged to undergo a screening mammogram every two years.

Eligible women can schedule their mammogram at one of the eight designated screening locations throughout Saskatchewan. Additionally, the Mobile Mammography Unit continues to provide screening mammography services to rural and remote areas across the province.

It’s important to note that screening mammograms are routine examinations intended for women with no breast symptoms, while diagnostic mammograms are meant for those experiencing breast symptoms. Women who have concerns or experience symptoms, regardless of age, should consult with a health-care provider or visit a walk-in clinic for further guidance.

It is estimated that in 2025, 31,900 women living in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 26 percent of all new cancer cases in women in 2025. Moreover, 5,400 women living in Canada will die from breast cancer. This represents 13 percent of all cancer deaths in women in 2025. On average, 87 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and 15 will die from breast cancer every day. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with breast cancer cases being highest in women between 50 and 69 years of age.

The breast cancer death rate peaked in 1986 and has been declining since. This reduction in death rates likely reflects the impact of screening and improvements in treatment for breast cancer. If breast cancer spreads, it usually spreads to the regional lymph nodes located on the same side of the body as the tumour in the following areas: under the arm, around the collarbone, and around the breastbone. Breast cancer can also spread to: muscles on the chest, the skin on the breast, bones (usually the spine, ribs or legs), the liver, lungs, and brain.

Anyone can develop breast cancer because everyone has breast tissue. Men just have a lot less of it, but 290 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 55 will die from it. Breast tissue in both women and men is exposed to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The exposure in women is higher because they have higher levels of these hormones. Both hormones – especially estrogen – are linked with breast cancer and encourage the growth of some breast cancers.

Trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people may also need regular mammograms. Eligibility depends on anatomy, hormone use and risk factors, not gender identity alone. Cancer statistics are currently collected, analyzed and reported based on the sex assigned at birth, with male/men and female/women categories. Gaps in how statistics are collected still need to be addressed to better understand cancer in transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people. To learn more, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society’s Screening in 2SLGBTQI+ communities page.

A 20-minute appointment could save your life.

Screening Centres

For more information on scheduling appointments, locations and operating hours, individuals can contact BreastCheck toll-free at 1-855-584-8228 or visit saskcancer.ca/BreastCheck.