A mobile mammography service in northwestern Alberta is playing a crucial role in increasing breast cancer screenings among rural and Indigenous communities. The service, operated by Primary Care Alberta, travels to remote areas, providing screenings to individuals aged 45-74. Barbara Goodswimmer, an elder of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, credits the mobile clinic with saving her life. Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer five years ago, Goodswimmer underwent a mastectomy and is now cancer-free. She is grateful for the service, noting that without it, she wouldn’t be alive today.
The mobile clinic addresses several barriers Indigenous women face, including negative healthcare experiences, historical trauma, and geographical isolation. Goodswimmer highlighted that the clinic’s welcoming atmosphere, with cheerful flower-painted walls, helps reduce fear and makes it easier for women to access care. Many women would not travel to larger cities like Grande Prairie for testing, making the mobile service a vital resource.
Josie Nepinak, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, emphasized the importance of culturally safe and trauma-informed care in increasing awareness and reducing fear. She believes that saving one woman through early screening can positively impact future generations. Goodswimmer now advocates for other women to take advantage of the mobile service, stressing that early detection can save lives and offer peace of mind.
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