Stronger connections for lifesaving breast screening across Saskatchewan 

For many people in Saskatchewan, breast screening can mean travelling long distances. Mobile mammography trailers help bring this important service closer to home – and reliable connectivity is essential to making them work.

About one-third of all breast screenings in the province take place in mobile units. Until recently, these trailers relied mostly on cellular service, which can be unreliable in rural and northern areas. Uploading large diagnostic images could take a long time, leading to delays in care and longer clinic days for technologists.

To improve reliability, eHealth Saskatchewan partnered with SaskTel to introduce a solution that combines cellular and satellite connectivity. The trailers automatically connect to the strongest signal available, helping clinics run smoothly. One new trailer is already in service with upgraded cellular access, and a second trailer was fully equipped with both cellular and Starlink satellite connectivity earlier this year and will be operational soon. Once both trailers are in operation, the program will complete a full circuit of the province every year – something that previously took two years.  

With better connectivity, technologists can focus on patients. mages are shared faster and mobile screening can reach more communities, supporting early detection and better outcomes across Saskatchewan.