Saskatchewan Expands Access to Breast Cancer Screening with Second Mammography Unit

Released on April 8, 2026

Addition of new unit to significantly increase screening capacity for women 

A second custom-designed mobile mammography unit unveiled in Regina today will begin visiting Saskatchewan communities next week. With two mobile units in operation, screening capacity will grow and bring lifesaving breast health screening services closer to home for more women. 

The second unit, which features a state-of-the-art digital mammography machine and new furnishings, follows the recent launch of the first enhanced mobile mammography unit in January 2026.  

"Expanding access to vital breast health services continues to be a priority for our government," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "We are putting patients first by ensuring Saskatchewan women have timely access to screening mammograms closer to home. I would like to thank the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and its generous donors for making this second mobile unit a reality."

The two mammography units will visit 42 rural and northern communities each year. 

With two units now travelling, more frequent visits are expected, and screening can be offered to more women in more communities across the province annually. Each mobile unit is projected to screen approximately 6,000 to 7,500 patients each year. 

The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan dedicated $5.2 million toward its provincial breast screening enhancement campaign, which provided: 

• $2 million for the first mammography trailer unit, equipment and furnishings; 
• $2.2 million for this second trailer, equipment and furnishings; and 
• $1.0 million to purchase and install a new digital mammography machine for permanent screening sites based in Regina and Saskatoon.  

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing more than $475,000 annually to support the operation of both mobile units, helping ensure ongoing access to screening services for patients across the province.

"We are deeply grateful to our leadership donors - Mosaic, Orano and MNP - whose generous support set the stage for this campaign's success," Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan CEO Nora Yeates said. "I also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Knight Cares and philanthropist Kevin Knight for stepping forward with more than half a million dollars to complete this campaign." 

"Together, your collective commitment to expanding breast cancer screening will make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families throughout Saskatchewan," Yeates said.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer death. One in eight women in Canada will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. 

The mobile units are equipped with digital mammography machines which offer screening mammograms, which are low-dose X-rays of the breast tissue that detect signs of cancer early.  Approximately 75 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed through screening are early stage. Earlier detection allows for more treatment options and supports better health outcomes for women. 

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Saskatchewan Health Authority work together to deliver this mobile mammography program. 

"The addition of a second new Mobile Mammography Unit ensures that even more women in Saskatchewan will have access to consistent, timely screening mammograms in rural, remote and northern communities through the BreastCheck program," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency President and Chief Executive Officer Deb Bulych said. "Putting another Unit on the road is an important step towards giving women the best possible chance at early detection and successful treatment." 

Saskatchewan recently began lowering the age for breast screening without a doctor's referral as an important step in cancer prevention. As of January 2, 2026, the women aged 43 years and older are eligible for screening.

Most healthy women, with no breast symptoms, should have a screening mammogram every two years. Screening mammograms are for women 43 and older who do not have lumps, discharge, skin changes, breast implants, are not in active follow up for breast cancer and have been breast cancer-free for five years. 

"The addition of a second mobile mammography unit means improved access to breast screening closer to home for people across rural, remote and northern Saskatchewan," CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority Andrew Will said. "Together with our partners, we are expanding the reach of BreastCheck and increasing our mobile screening capacity, supporting earlier detection and better outcomes. We are grateful to the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation and its donors for their generosity in helping make this expansion possible."

To find a breast screening location near you and schedule a screening mammogram, visit the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's BreastCheck program online at saskcancer.ca/breastcheck or call toll-free at 1-855-584-8228.

To learn more about donating to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan's campaign for breast cancer screening equipment, visit: cancerfoundationsask.ca/donate.

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