Leaked government emails show some Sask. breast cancer patients can’t afford travel to Calgary for care

A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles, May 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Saskatchewan’s NDP says the province is failing women who need breast cancer biopsies – pointing to leaked emails that show some women are not able to seek treatment in another province.

With so many people needing biopsies and limited resources in the province – some patients are being sent to Calgary to shorten wait times.

The provincial government reimburses $1,500 of the travel costs for those who choose to travel to Alberta.

However, the NDP obtained a government email that says some women have declined the offer because they don’t have the cash to cover expenses up front.

“My understanding is that there is a cap on that. They are not covering the full cost of the trip, so women are left out of pocket and some women are just choosing not to make the trip altogether because of the cap,” MLA Meara Conway explained to reporters.

The messages dated – March 3 and March 6 – make multiple references to the upfront cost being restrictive to some patients.

“Some people can’t participate in this initiative because they don’t have the funds available to pay the costs up front or they don’t have a reliable vehicle to get them to Calgary and can’t afford airfare.”

Since November of 2023, more than 470 Saskatchewan women have had breast cancer diagnostic procedures performed in Calgary.

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In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Health reiterated that the cost of medically necessary procedures are publicly funded but “the costs of travel accommodation and meals to access medical services are not normally insured under the Saskatchewan health system.”

The ministry went on to say that it recognizes that its travel reimbursement may not cover the entire cost in every case – it is working to expand testing capabilities within the province so that the travel is no longer needed.

“We are looking forward to the new Regina Breast Health Centre opening in Spring 2025, so that Saskatchewan women can receive timely treatment closer to home,” the statement read.

“Construction is scheduled to be completed in March. However, the exact opening date is still being finalized.