Saskatchewan extends out-of-province breast cancer diagnostic initiative

An initiative allowing Saskatchewan patients to receive breast cancer diagnostics at a Calgary facility has been extended until March of 2026.

The temporary initiative was launched late in 2023 in order to speed up the process for patients, who were often facing lengthy wait times. The extension comes as work continues on the provincial Breast Health Centre in Regina, which is currently under construction and expected to open in the spring.

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Through the out-of-province assessment initiative, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health reimburses up to $1,500 in travel and accommodation expenses for patients, and the cost of all the diagnostic procedures is also covered by the ministry. As of January 17, 472 patients have had diagnostic procedures completed in the Alberta city.

“By extending this initiative, we can continue to address the immediate needs of patients while actively building capacity within the province to deliver high-quality breast health services closer to home,” Richard Dagenais, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s executive director of medical imaging, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the provincial government noted, there are a number of steps being taken to enhance and accelerate care for Saskatchewan patients. Those include the phased expansion of breast screening eligibility to patients age 40-49, which began in January, and adding diagnostic capacity in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw to offer another option to patients in Regina who are facing lengthy wait times.

The province said it is also implementing new technology to improve diagnostic speed, accuracy and comfort for patients, while also working to train and recruit more medical specialists.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct a typo.