Mobile mammography screening trailer in Milk River Sept. 19-20

Posted on September 18, 2025 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On September 19 and 20, Prairie Rose Lodge in Milk River will play host to the Mobile Mammography Screening trailer.

“Screen Test is a service of the Screening Programs Division of Primary Care Alberta that provides breast cancer screening mammograms round the province,” said Chidinma Okoli, the Health Promotions Facilitator for Screen Test.

Okoli says that the mobile program was launched in 1991 and includes two mobile trailers that are equipped with digital mammography machines. The trailers, Okoli says, travel to 120 communities across the province, including 28 Indigenous communities. The mobile service has been visiting Milk River since 1999, Okoli says. 

“The mobile service helps to eliminate some of the barriers to breast cancer screening such as travel time, access to transportation and quality health services,” said Okoli. “Screen Test mobile has good participation rates in the communities that we visit. The number screened always depends on the size of the community and the number of eligible population. In Milk River, the number of clients seen each year in the last five years range from 26 to 47.

Okoli says that it is extremely important that individuals aged 45 to 74 years of age make screening mammograms part of their regular health routine. 

“Regular mammograms allow doctors to observe changes in breast tissue over time, which can help detect cancer in its early stages,” said Okoli. “For individuals aged 40 to 44 years who want to be screened, it is recommended they discuss with their healthcare provider about their risks of breast cancer and the need for mammograms. They would need a referral for their first mammogram in Alberta and it is recommended they screen annually. Anyone below 40 who has concerns should speak to their healthcare provider about the right tests for them.”

The screening mammogram, Okoli says, takes about 10 minutes but people should expect the entire appointment to take about 20 minutes. 

“When the client arrives, the Technologist will go over some personal information with them to ensure they are correct,” said Okoli. “They’ll proceed to have the x-ray done, which will take two pictures of each breast. Results will become available in about 2-3 weeks on MyAHS Connect or mailed to the client.”

More information about breast cancer screening and Screen Test can be found on Screeningforlife.ca, Okoli says, and those who want to book an appointment for the Milk River mobile clinic can call the Screen Test booking line at 1-800-667-0604 (toll free) to book an appointment. Walk-ins, Okoli says, will also be accepted if there is time in the schedule to do so.

“Having routine mammograms have been proven to be the most effective way to find breast cancer early, when the tumours are still small and before symptoms develop,” said Okoli. “Mammograms can save lives. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 89 percent survive at least five years beyond diagnosis. At this stage, there are more treatment options, the individual has higher chances of survival and better health outcomes.”