ALBERTA – Primary Care Alberta’s (PCA) Screen Test program celebrates a significant milestone this fall. The popular mobile mammography program has been travelling to rural and remote communities for 35 years, improving access to routine breast cancer screening for thousands of Albertans.

Screen Test began in 1990 with two offices in Calgary and Edmonton. The mobile mammography program launched the following year with the very first community visit in Hinton on September 18, 1991. In its first year, the program visited 26 different communities across the province. Screen Test now has two mobile mammography trailers travelling to 120 Alberta communities, seeing up to 15,000 clients each year.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Alberta, which is why making screening easier to access matters. For women in rural communities, mobile mammography means less time travelling, fewer added costs and better access to important screening closer to home. I want to thank the dedicated staff who keep this program running and help Albertans get the care they need.”

- Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

Between October 1990 and January 2025, Screen Test completed over 575,000 mammograms. Of these, 28,068 abnormalities were detected with additional testing recommended. Screen Test mammograms also identified more than 3,100 breast cancers in that time.

“I’ve been involved with the mobile mammography program on both sides. Coming from rural Alberta, I know firsthand the impact this program has had over the years. I am so grateful – for myself, my family, my community, and many other women just like me who have had their lives touched by the mobile mammography program.”

- Colleen Waters, three-time breast cancer survivor and retired Screen Test staff member

A mammogram captures diagnostic images of the breasts, similar to an x-ray. It is estimated that about one in seven Alberta women will have breast cancer during their lifetime. Regular screening mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when treatment may be most effective.

“Getting screened for breast cancer saves lives. Over the last 35 years, many of our mobile mammography clients have said they would not receive regular screening if not for the mobile units. It’s an honour to be helping to improve access to this life saving service.”

- Kimberley Simmonds, CEO of Primary Care Alberta

New and returning clients can book mobile mammography appointments by calling 1-800-667-0604. Returning clients are notified six weeks beforehand with the dates and location of the mobile unit in their community. Screen Test schedules visits for when returning clients are typically due for their next mammogram.

Individuals between 40 and 74 years of age are encouraged to discuss their breast cancer risk with a healthcare provider to determine whether screening is right for them. If you notice any breast changes or have concerns about your breast health, please see a doctor right away. Do not wait for your routine mammogram.

Screening results are available online by signing up for MyHealth Records or the MyChart app on your mobile device. For more information about Screen Test mobile mammography and other screening programs provided by Primary Care Alberta, visit screeningforlife.ca.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.