Saskatchewan Women Demand Action on Lengthy Mammogram Wait Times

Women in Saskatchewan are advocating for reduced wait times for mammograms after the provincial government announced a decision to lower the breast cancer screening age from 45 to 43 at the start of 2026, with plans to further reduce it to 40 by June. While many applaud this initiative, they express concern over the prolonged wait times, which can extend to nearly a year in some cases.

Tammy Haas, a breast cancer survivor diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative in April 2025, shared her experience of navigating the healthcare system. She managed to secure a mammogram appointment at the end of March due to a cancellation, but believes her outcome could have been drastically different had she not been seen promptly. “At the time that I had the mammogram, the mass was measuring at five centimeters. By the time I started cancer treatment six weeks later, it was already measuring over eight centimeters,” Haas stated.

In an ideal scenario, Haas believes that all tests should be conducted within six weeks. She emphasized the frustration of having to advocate for timely care. “We shouldn’t have to push for our health-care system. We pay for it,” Haas remarked. “I shouldn’t have to fight my way through it to try to get what I need from a medical standpoint.”

Another advocate, Lisa Vick, who was diagnosed in September 2023, echoed similar sentiments about the need for improved communication within the healthcare system. Despite the government’s efforts, she noted that cancer patients often find themselves making follow-up calls to their doctors or the Breast Health Center. “You shouldn’t have to be calling to say, ‘Hey, when am I going to get in? When’s my biopsy?’” Vick pointed out.

Vick remains hopeful for progress after she was invited to tour the new breast center in Regina, which she believes will be a significant resource for women in southern Saskatchewan. “We got to see where the mammograms are done, the biopsies, the ultrasound. They have surgeons that come in every week,” she explained. “Once it’s up and running at full capacity, it’s just a fabulous process.”

Women in northern Saskatchewan face additional challenges as they are referred to the breast health center in Saskatoon. In response to the rising concerns about mammogram wait times, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) provided insights regarding their operations.

“Diagnostic breast imaging, including mammography and ultrasound, requires physician referral and is dependent on an individual’s clinical indications and personal risk factors,” the SHA stated. They noted that diagnostic breast imaging is available in several communities, including North Battleford, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, and Swift Current, with urgent cases prioritized. However, wait times can vary significantly, ranging from one week to 11 months.

Additionally, the SHA highlighted that mammogram screening is accessible through the Breast Check program for women aged 43 and older who are not currently undergoing active treatment for breast cancer. “Wait times for this program can vary from two weeks to four months, depending on the preferred location,” the SHA added.

Regardless of the duration of the wait, anxiety remains prevalent among patients, who often feel uncertain about their next steps. To support women in navigating their experiences and advocating for their health, WeyStrong Cancer Support Services Inc. offers resources and support through their Facebook page.

As the Saskatchewan government works to enhance breast cancer screening access, the call for action on mammogram wait times continues to resonate among survivors and advocates alike. The hope remains that improvements in communication and resource availability will lead to a more efficient healthcare experience for all women in the province.