Saskatchewan begins phased approach to lower age eligibility of breast cancer screening [Video]

More Saskatchewan women are now able to access breast cancer screening as the province takes a phased approach to lower age eligibility.

Before Jan. 1, women between the ages of 50 to 74 were eligible to get a mammogram, according to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA). Women between the ages of 47 to 49 became eligible on Jan.1 during the first phase.

Breast cancer screening will be open to women between the ages of 45 to 47 beginning on the next phase on June 1. The eligibility age will then be gradually lowered to include women who are between the ages of 40 to 45.

The province first announced the expansion of breast cancer screening in September.

A doctor’s referral is not needed to book an appointment. To be eligible, women must be the current appropriate age, have no breast cancer symptoms such as lumps, discharge, or skin changes, not have breast implants, not in an active follow-up for breast cancer, and …