Client Navigation Program

The Screening Program for Breast Cancer is a province-wide program for the early detection of breast cancer. Women age 50 to 69 receive an invitation to participate in the screening program. If women have participated in the program, they will receive letters until age 75. After age 75, women are welcome to continue with the screening program after consulting with their healthcare provider. Conditions associated with a limited life expectancy or physical limitations that prevent the positioning required for the mammography exam need to be considered. The screening program informs healthcare providers about the results of their patient’s screening mammograms.

Client Navigation Program

The screening program operates a Client Navigation Program. The goals of the program are to standardize care across the province, reduce anxiety levels of women with an abnormal screen and improve access to diagnostic imaging and biopsy when required. Working together with authorization from healthcare providers, client navigators, who are registered nurses, advocate for the timely management of women who have had an abnormal screen. The navigator coordinates referrals, facilitates access and provides information and support.

Navigator’s Role

To ensure your patient receives timely care, you are encouraged to complete a medical directive. With your authorization, navigators will coordinate the diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound as recommended by the radiologists for women with abnormal screening mammograms.

  • The navigator will phone your patient to explain the follow-up tests recommended and provide support and information as needed.
  • The navigator will inform you of the location and date of your patient’s appointment.
  • Your patient will be instructed to see you for their results from the diagnostic imaging tests.

Healthcare Provider Roles

The diagnostic centre will directly send you the results of your patient’s diagnostic imaging tests. You are responsible for arranging biopsies, any further follow-up diagnostic studies and referrals to surgeons. The algorithm Managing Results for Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms serves to support decision making by doctors and nurse practitioners, standardize care across the province, and reduce the wait times to biopsy/ surgery. It will guide you in referring your patient to a breast health centre, surgeon or both after their diagnostic tests.

For more information about the Client Navigation Program please call 639-625-2102 in Regina or 639-635-3101 in Saskatoon.

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