Cathy Sapergia demands answers on Saskatchewan mammogram delays
Saskatchewan resident Cathy Sapergia learned from a clinic receptionist that rebooking a routine mammogram would require waiting until November 2027, prompting her to appear at the Legislative Building alongside the NDP’s Jacqueline Roy to demand answers on regional healthcare delays.
A One-Year Wait for Preventative Screening
With a family history of breast cancer and advancing age, Sapergia sought preventative screening through the provincial healthcare system. When scheduling conflicts required her to adjust her original date after nearly a year of waiting, a clinic receptionist informed her that no cancellations were available and the next open slot stood at November 2027. Sapergia told reporters at the Legislative Building that she was stunned and frustrated by the timeline, choosing ultimately to keep her initial appointment, which yielded promising results.
Clashing Accounts in the Legislature
During the legislative session, Jacqueline Roy introduced Sapergia as a guest to challenge the government on diagnostic access. Responding to the criticism, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill maintained during question period on November 3, 2026, that the province books mammograms “within one or two weeks in nearly every site.” Sapergia disputed that characterization, telling media that patients often wait two weeks to a month simply for an initial call from a receptionist, while actual appointments stretch much further out.
Minister Defends Spending on Breast Health Initiatives
Cockrill defended the province’s record by pointing to recent fiscal allocations. Over the past three years, upwards of $15 million has been spent specifically on breast health initiatives across Regina, Saskatoon, and several other sites around the province. The minister also highlighted an out-of-province service agreement with a vendor from Calgary, clarifying that the measure addresses diagnostic mammograms and biopsies rather than screening mammograms. According to Cockrill, this external partnership and internal workflow changes have brought biopsy wait times down in Regina by, he thinks, 83 per cent over the last year, year-and-a-half.
Mobile Units and Future Evaluation
Additional provincial investments target the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and mobile mammography units. Those mobile services are doubling capacity, going from 21,000 screenings a year now to 42,000 screenings a year. Cockrill acknowledged that ongoing monitoring remains necessary to determine whether or not the province will continue the out-of-province initiative as officials evaluate sustained progress in breast health care.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.