The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan has committed to raise $3.2 million to expand access to breast screening for a whole new generation of women in our province.
Breast cancer is being diagnosed more frequently in women in their 40s, and the Saskatchewan government recognizes the value of catching cancer early. In March 2024, they announced that the provincial breast cancer screening age eligibility will expand to include women aged 40-49.
Lowering the age of screening eligibility will empower women between the ages of 40 and 49, no matter where they live, to access screening without barriers. As the age for screening eligibility expands to include women in their 40s, a whole new generation of women will gain access to breast healthcare.
The upcoming change will result in approximately 76,000 additional women being eligible to participate in the program. This means a higher demand for mammography services. The province needs infrastructure in place to support this life-saving service.
We have a plan – but we need your help.
Together, we will fund a second fully-equipped breast screening vehicle, alongside a SUV to transport staff and supplies – PLUS two new mammography machines for the screening programs in Regina and Saskatoon.
Your support can ensure that Saskatchewan has the infrastructure in place to meet the demand for consistent, timely, convenient and life-saving breast screening mammography.
In fact, you’ve done it before!
In October 2022, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan launched a $2 million fundraising campaign to replace the province’s Breast Screening Bus.
Nora Yeates, CEO of Cancer Foundation and Raelynn Nicholson, Chair of Kinsmen Foundation celebrate completion of Breast Screening Bus campaign
People across Saskatchewan stepped up and within six months had donated nearly $1 million to ensure the continuation of this critical service.
In June 2023, the Kinsmen Foundation pledged $1 million which completed the fundraising campaign for the replacement of Saskatchewan’s Breast Screening Bus.
This Bus is being replaced by a truck and trailer unit that is currently in production to include new furnishings and a brand new digital mammography machine!
But we must do more.
Breast cancer is the #1 diagnosed cancer in women. It is estimated in 2024 that 780 Saskatchewan women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 180 will lose their battle.
You can help change this outcome!
Of the breast cancer cases detected through regular screening mammograms, 75% are diagnosed at an early Stage* allowing for more treatment options, greater survival rates and better outcomes for breast cancer patients.
As of August 2023, statistics show that if breast cancer is caught at Stage 1, the 5-year survival rate is 100%. If it is caught at Stage 2, the 5-year survival rate is 92%*.
This is incredible! And this is why screening is so important. Screening saves lives.
(*Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca)
Get back on board and join us in raising $3.2 million to purchase:
• A second breast screening vehicle to travel in rural Saskatchewan
• Pilot Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to transport staff and supplies to and from the
screening vehicle
• One digital mammography machine for the new screening vehicle
• Two additional digital mammography machines for the screening programs in Regina and Saskatoon
Your support can ensure that Saskatchewan has the infrastructure in place to meet the demand for consistent, timely, convenient and life-saving breast screening mammography.
Expand access to breast screening. Make your thoughtful gift today.
Click here to read the Saskatchewan Breast Screening Campaign launch media release.