Regina Breast Health Centre Marks One Year of Improved Patient Access

Released on April 16, 2026

The Regina Breast Health Centre is celebrating its first anniversary, marking one year of significantly improving breast health care for Saskatchewan patients.

Since opening in April 2025, the Centre has changed how patients in southern Saskatchewan access breast health services by bringing diagnostics, treatment planning and rehabilitation supports together in one location. This coordinated approach means patients receive faster, more seamless care, including surgeon appointments within weeks after biopsy and reduced wait times for advanced imaging. 

Over the past year, the Centre has received more than 1,780 referrals, demonstrating the need for these types of advanced diagnostics and treatment services. 

The Centre recently expanded services to include lymphedema care, providing earlier support for patients who may experience swelling and other physical effects related to treatment. Previously offered at Pasqua Hospital, this program now combines preventative education with therapy services. Patients can receive lymphedema education and care before breast treatment begins, helping prevent complications, reduce anxiety and improve overall outcomes.

"The Regina Breast Health Centre reflects our commitment to putting patients first by providing more timely access to care closer to home," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "Having specialists, diagnostics and support together in one place, is helping patients feel supported and informed at every stage. I want to thank the dedicated health care team at the Centre who continue making a difference for patients and families every day."

The health care team of breast radiologists, surgeons, nurse navigators, physiotherapists, a social worker, medical imaging staff and support professionals works together to guide patients from screening through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

The Centre also offers advanced and interventional breast imaging services. In October 2025, Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM) was implemented as an alternative to breast MRI, where clinically indicated, helping providers detect and stage cancer more accurately and quickly.

"The Breast Health Centre surrounds patients with the right team of health care professionals at the right time and over the past year, we've seen the impact these truly integrated services make," Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. "The addition of the Breast Therapy Program ensures patients receive seamless, compassionate support throughout their entire breast health journey."

For patients like Tricia Goffin, the Centre's coordinated approach made a meaningful difference.

"I was nervous when I first arrived, but what stood out was how much the staff cared about my well-being," Goffin said. "The staff are incredibly caring and knowledgeable, guiding you through each step. Having everything in one place made things easier. At one point I could walk just down the hall for imaging so my care could continue without delay. It is not an easy experience, but you are not alone and there are resources to support you along the way. There is a real sense of community at the Centre, both with the team and among patients."

Recent provincial initiatives continue to build on the momentum, strengthening breast health services across Saskatchewan:

• Overall biopsy wait times in Regina have been reduced by approximately five weeks since April 2024, with a substantial decrease in the number of urgent patients waiting for care;
• Diagnostic capacity has expanded in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, providing more than 315 long-waiting and urgent patients with access to breast diagnostic procedures;
• The out-of-province diagnostic initiative has been extended, giving patients the option to access urgent breast cancer diagnostics in Calgary while helping maintain reduced wait times within the province. More than 830 patients have been referred and approximately 750 have completed procedures, with up to 1,000 expected to benefit from expedited access;
• Investment in tumour localization technology that places markers inside the tissue up to 30 days before surgery, aiding planning and coordination;
• Breast screening eligibility has expanded to women aged 43 and older, increasing access for roughly 76,000 more patients;
• The volume of screening mammograms completed have increased by 21 per cent from 2023-24 decreasing wait times; and
• Two modern mobile mammography units now serve 42 rural and northern communities annually, bringing screening services closer to home. Each mobile unit is projected to screen approximately 6,000 to 7,500 patients per year.

As the Regina Breast Health Centre enters its second year, investments in this year's budget in staffing and equipment will continue to support it to provide enhanced breast health services. The Centre remains focused on delivering timely, coordinated care for patients and families through every step of their journey. 

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $8.5 million to open the Breast Health Centre in Regina, including $6.5 million in renovations and diagnostic equipment and $2 million for operational costs.

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