Screening Mammograms

About screening mammograms

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of breast tissue. There are two different kinds of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. BreastCheck only provides screening mammograms.

• Screening mammograms 
  Screening mammograms are regular checks used to find early signs of cancer in women who have no noticeable breast problems or symptoms. They can find abnormal changes in the breast that are too small to be seen or felt by you or your health-care provider.
• Diagnostic mammograms 
  Diagnostic mammograms are ordered by a health-care provider to examine an area of concern in the breast. BreastCheck does not provide diagnostic mammograms. 

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How to book a screening mammogram appointment

• You do not need a referral to book a screening mammogram.
• To make an appointment, call toll-free 1-855-584-8228, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.—4:30 p.m. 
• When you phone, you can choose to schedule your appointment at any one of our screening locations. 

 

Note: If you are planning to be away for an extended period, please try to book your appointment well in advance of your departure to allow enough time to receive your mammogram results and for any followup that may be needed. 

Preparing for your appointment

• On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing that can easily be removed.
• Please do not use deodorants, antiperspirants, body lotions or talcum powders, as metals in these products can appear on the X-ray image.
• All SCA locations are scent-free facilities. Please do not wear any scented perfumes or lotions.

Your mammogram appointment: What to expect

• When you arrive for your appointment, a receptionist will register you and ask questions about your health history.
• You will be shown to a change room and asked to remove clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear. Arriving to your appointment in a two-piece outfit will make this easier.
• Your mammogram appointment will take 10–20 minutes.
• During your mammogram:
  • A medical radiation technologist (MRT) will perform the mammogram.
  • The MRT will place your breasts, one at a time, on a flat plate. Another plate is then pressed firmly against your breast to help flatten out the breast tissue.
  • You may experience some discomfort for a few seconds.
  • Two X-rays of each breast are taken.  

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How often should you have a screening mammogram? 

Ages 43–49 

• You are encouraged to talk to a health-care provider about the benefits and limitations of a screening mammogram to see if it is best for you.
• If you have questions about when you are due or if you want to book an appointment, please call 1-855-584-8228.  

 

Ages 50–74 

• The screening program will send you a letter when it is time to make your appointment. 

 

Ages 75+ 

• After age 74, you will no longer receive a letter reminding you to book your appointment.
• You are encouraged to talk to a health-care provider about the benefits and limitations of a screening mammogram to see if it is best for you.
• If you have questions about when you are due or if you want to book an appointment, please call 1-855-584-8228.  

Commonly Asked Questions

I don’t feel any lumps. Do I still need a screening mammogram?  

Yes. Screening mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms or lumps appear or can be felt or noticed, and early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.  

During a mammogram, why do you have to “squish” my breasts?  

This is called “compression” and is necessary to help spread out your breast tissue, allowing the radiologist to see changes in the breast more easily and reducing the amount of radiation needed for the test. It may be uncomfortable, but the discomfort typically lasts only a few seconds.  The pressure does not damage the breast tissue.

 

Breast compression is a safe part of the procedure and does not cause cancer or make an existing cancer grow or spread.  

Do mammograms cause cancer?

Screening mammograms used by BreastCheck are low-dose X-rays, which expose the breast tissue to minimal radiation.  

 

Additionally, the benefits of early detection through mammography far outweigh the minimal risk from radiation exposure.  

Can I choose ultrasound or thermography instead of mammography?

Mammography is the only screening test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. 

 

Ultrasound and thermography cannot replace mammography — ultrasound may miss important signs of cancer, and thermography is not licensed or supported by evidence for screening in Canada. 

 

For effective early detection, mammography remains the recommended method.

I have breast implants. Why can’t I book a mammogram with BreastCheck?  

A regular screening mammogram takes two pictures of each breast. If you have implants, you may require more detailed images, which BreastCheck cannot provide. Please visit your health-care provider and ask for a referral to a diagnostic centre that can offer the proper imaging. 

Can I attend a screening mammogram if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? 

Mammography is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The radiation dose is very low, and the imaging is focused on the breast, minimizing exposure to other parts of the body. 

 

Having a screening mammogram while pregnant or breastfeeding is a personal decision. If breastfeeding, it is recommended to express milk before the mammogram to reduce discomfort and improve image clarity. 

Do trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people need regular mammograms?  

Yes, many trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people may need regular mammograms, but eligibility depends on anatomy, hormone use and risk factors, not gender identity alone.  

 

To learn more, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society’s Screening in 2SLGBTQI+ communities page. 

How accurate are mammograms?

Screening mammograms can find most breast cancers before they can be felt or seen. They detect about 8–9 out of 10 breast cancers present at the time of the exam. While not perfect, regular mammograms help catch cancer early and monitor changes over time.

I have not received an invitation letter. Can I still book a screening mammogram?  

Currently, in Saskatchewan, only women aged 50–74 receive an invitation letter to participate in BreastCheck. However, eligible women aged 43–49 and 75+ can self-refer by calling toll-free 1-855-584-8228 to book an appointment.  

Why did I stop receiving BreastCheck invitation letters after I turned 75?  

There is limited evidence to support the use of breast screening for women aged 75 and above. While women over the age of 75 may still benefit from screening mammograms, the screening risks can also increase. It is important to discuss your individual benefits and risks of having a screening mammogram with your health-care provider. 

 

Please call toll-free 1-855-584-8228 to make an appointment if it is right for you. 

Are women in their 40s at risk for breast cancer?  

Women in this age group have a lower chance of getting breast cancer than women over age 50. However, women who do get breast cancer in this age group are more likely to develop more aggressive cancer at a more advanced stage and tend to have a poorer prognosis compared to older women. 

 

Women who choose to screen in their 40s have an increased chance of finding breast cancer early, before symptoms appear, which improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. 

Does it cost money to get a mammogram in Saskatchewan?  

No. Screening mammograms are covered by provincial health insurance for eligible women with an active Saskatchewan health card.  

I have moved/I am planning to move. How can I ensure that my letters are sent to my new address?  

Please update your address by calling eHealth Saskatchewan toll-free 1-800-667-7551, emailing change@ehealthsask.ca or online at www.ehealthsask.ca. 

Can I choose not to take part in BreastCheck?  

Yes, you can opt out of the program. Please discuss your options with your health-care provider before making a final decision. If you decide that opting out is best for you, please contact BreastCheck toll-free 1-855-584-8228.