Nova Scotia Breast Cancer Survivors Push for Shorter Mammography Wait Times
Breast cancer survivors and the Canadian Cancer Society are calling for reduced mammography wait times and increased education in Nova Scotia, where screening delays can reach 18 months. The provincial government has committed to a women's health strategy, while a recent Run for the Cure event raised over $532,000 to support research and patients facing significant out-of-pocket costs.
Breast cancer survivors in Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society are advocating for shorter mammography wait times and increased public education, citing significant delays in screening access across the province.
Sheila Harrie discovered a lump in November 2021 and was diagnosed with breast cancer two months later. She underwent surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy, and 15 rounds of radiation before being declared cancer-free in March 2023. 
Kalynda Lastimosa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 after finding a lump at age 30. Because self-referral for mammography in Nova Scotia is only available to those aged 40 and above, she required a physician referral. Lastimosa completed surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy, and 15 rounds of radiation, ringing the bell to signify she was cancer-free in 2023.
Heather Mulligan, Atlantic senior manager of advocacy with the Canadian Cancer Society, stated that mammography wait times in central Halifax zones can reach up to 18 months for annual screening. Delayed diagnoses due to long wait times increase risk and reduce treatability. Rural areas in Nova Scotia face additional challenges with physical access to screening tools and may rely on emergency departments or mobile clinics.
In response to these issues, the Nova Scotia provincial government made commitments in the fall to launch a women’s health strategy aimed at increasing access to breast screening and reducing wait times. 
The financial burden of cancer care remains substantial. A 2024 partnership between the Canadian Cancer Society and Statistics Canada revealed that the average person and their loved ones experience nearly $33,000 in out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer care upon diagnosis.
To support research and mitigate patient financial burdens, the annual Canadian Cancer Society Run for the Cure was held at Garrison Grounds. The event drew 1,972 participants and raised $532,195.