In early 2026, the Government of Saskatchewan will Reduction in breast cancer screening The age limit has been lowered from 45 to 43, and is expected to be lowered further to 40 by June. While many applaud the move, others say something needs to be done about wait times.

The wait time to get a mammogram in the state can be nearly a year because of the strain on the system.

Tammy Haas, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma in April 2025. She says she was able to undergo cancer screening. mammogram With the cancellation coming at the end of March, I believe her story would have had a different ending if I hadn’t met her then.

“At the time I had my mammogram, the tumor was 5 centimeters. By the time I started cancer treatment six weeks later, it was already over eight centimeters, so it had grown quite a bit in about six weeks,” Haas said.

In an ideal world, all tests would be completed within six weeks, Haas said, adding that it’s unfair and frustrating that patients have to fight to see a doctor sooner.

“We don’t have to drive the health care system. We pay for it. That’s one of the joys of being Canadian. We don’t have to jump through this system to get what we need from a health care standpoint,” says Haas.

Lisa Vick, a patient advocate and breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023. She says despite the government’s efforts, there is still a lack of communication.

“As cancer patients, we’re well catered for. We don’t have to call our doctor for a follow-up or call the Breast Health Center and say, ‘When can I come in? When can I get my biopsy? Where am I on the waiting list?'” Vick says.

Vic was invited to tour a new breast center in Regina and is hopeful for improvements. She believes this will be a great resource for women in southern Saskatchewan.

“We were able to find out where mammograms, biopsies, and ultrasounds were done. Then we were told that we have a surgeon who comes in every week. They do pre-op and post-op visits. We have a social worker on site and a nurse navigator to guide us through the process,” says Vick.

“Once[the center]is up and running and at full capacity, we can get women there faster and more efficiently. It’s a great process and I love the idea,” Vick says.

Women in northern Saskatchewan are referred to the Breast Health Center in Saskatoon.

In response to concerns about wait times for mammograms, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) told Global News that referrals depend on individual clinics and individual risk factors.

“Breast imaging, including mammography and ultrasound, requires a physician referral and varies based on an individual’s clinical presentation and personal risk factors. SHA offers breast imaging in several areas, including North Battleford, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, and Swift Current, and prioritizes appointments based on urgency. Wait times at SHA facilities may vary from one week to 11 months,” the SHA said.

In addition, the SHA says mammography screenings will also be offered through the Breast Screening Program.

“This program is available throughout the state to women age 43 and older who have no breast health symptoms, are not currently undergoing active breast cancer follow-up, and have been breast cancer-free for at least five years.

“Wait times vary depending on the desired location, but can range from two weeks to four months.”

No matter how long the wait is, patients are left wondering what to do next.

Wanting to help more women understand what they’re going through and how to advocate for themselves, WeyStrong Cancer Support Services Inc. is here to help through support. facebook page.

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