Alberta Health is moving cancer screening reminders online, phasing out printed letters in favour of digital notifications through the MyHealthAlberta MyChart platform.
Read more: New workshop to help parents navigate youth social media use
The shift affects Lloydminster residents on the Alberta side and patients across the province enrolled in the three provincial cancer screening programs.
Primary Care Alberta’s Screening Programs announced the change will begin this fall, with mailed invitation and reminder letters being phased out when possible.
Cervical screening first to switch
The Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program implemented the digital change first on Sept. 15, according to Primary Care Alberta.
The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program will follow in 2027.
Patients not enrolled in MyChart will continue to receive printed letters by mail.
Normal and abnormal results
Normal screening results will be available via MyChart or communicated through the patient’s primary care provider.
Abnormal test results will be mailed, available via MyChart or communicated through the patient’s appropriate care provider.
The province unveiled a $1.2-billion 10-year cancer care strategy in June and invested $12.6 million in early cancer detection grants in July.
How to set up MyChart
Patients not already enrolled are encouraged to set up a MyChart account by visiting myhealth.alberta.ca/help/KB/setting-up-myhealth-records.
Patients who still receive paper letters and are concerned their mailing address is incorrect can call Primary and Preventative Health Services at 310-0000 (toll free) then dial 780-427-1432.
For additional information about screening, residents are encouraged to talk to their primary care provider or visit screeningforlife.ca.
Read more: Wanted man arrested during traffic stop on Onion Lake Cree Nation
