Saskatchewan lowers breast cancer screening age to 40

File: A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer.(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Saskatchewan has completed its recent effort to allow more women to receive mammograms sooner.

On Wednesday, July 1, the province officially lowered the screening age for mammograms to women aged 40 and older.

The province began a phased approach in January 2025 to gradually lower the screening age to include women aged 40 to 43.

According to the province, about 75 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses are caught at an early stage thanks to mammograms.

• Saskatchewan expands breast cancer screening eligibility to 43

“Regular screening is an important way to look after your health, as it can detect changes early, often before symptoms develop. We encourage women to book their first screening mammogram and make it part of their routine care,” Karen Efthimiou, vice president of population health, quality and research with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, said in the announcement.

A mammogram consists of a low-dose x-ray of breast tissue. Women can call to book an appointment without a referral from a health care provider if they are 40 years of age or older and follow the following criteria:

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

Women are encouraged to undergo screening mammograms every two years.

In addition to eight permanent screening locations, the province operates two mobile mammography units which travel to rural and northern areas.