The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's breast cancer screening mobile contains the same equipment seen in permanent screening sites. (submitted photo/Saskatchewan Cancer Agency)

By Aaron Schulze

Breast Cancer Mobile

Breast cancer screening mobile parks in Nipawin

Sep 23, 2019 | 12:03 PM

Women in Nipawin and area will have one month to receive a breast cancer screening mammogram closer to home.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s (SCA) screening mobile is parked outside of Nipawin Hospital until Oct. 22.

Laurie Pearce, an early detection coordination for the SCA’s breast cancer screening program, said the bus travels across the province from as far north as La Loche to the southern parts of Saskatchewan.

“There are just over 40 sites we visit on an odd-even year basis with the goal of trying to make it easier for women trying to access this service,” Pearce told northeastNOW. “The service is very similar to a permanent site. The mamo’s are read by the same radiologists and it’s the same type of equipment, but it’s just nice that they don’t have to travel to a more urban area to have their screening mammogram done if it doesn’t necessarily work for them.”

SCA’s two permanent breast cancer screening locations are in Regina and Saskatoon. Pearce said women can still book appointments in those areas if it’s more convenient for them.

loss

Wildfire claims water bomber pilot's home for second time

6h ago

Rhonda Blackmore removed as commanding officer of Saskatchewan RCMP

8h ago

Evacuee response

Mayor says city in 'holding pattern', Red Cross responsible for housing evacuees

9h ago

In preparation of the screening mobile’s arrival to Nipawin, the SCA sent invitations to women in the area aged 50 to 74 to book their screening mammogram with no physician referral needed. Information on the invites come from the Ministry of Health.

Pearce said the SCA’s target age group for screening women is between 50 and 69 because it’s deemed as the likeliest age when breast cancer could develop. However, once women are in the breast cancer screening program, they’re always welcome to come back after they book an appointment.

“She could be 102, we’ve had women come on our bus in their 90’s and we never turn anybody back,” she said. “Breast screening and any other screening programs are about early detection. The earlier something is detected, it’s easier to treat.”

Women under the age of 50 aren’t part of the SCA’s breast cancer screening program, although Pearce said they can still book a mammogram if they receive a referral from their healthcare provider.

If women in the northeast are unable to book a mammogram in Nipawin before Oct. 22, the breast cancer screening mobile’s next stop will be in Tisdale from Oct. 23 to Nov. 13 at Beeland Co-op.

Pearce encourages women to call the SCA’s toll-free number at 1-855-584-8228 to book their breast cancer screening mammogram.

–

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow