Privacy and Access

Our Commitment to You

At the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, we understand that your privacy is important to you.  The Cancer Agency is committed to respecting personal privacy, supporting the right to access information, and maintaining the security of information in our custody and control.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Privacy Office is the primary contact for all privacy and access-related questions and issues and provides the following services:

  >Ensures the privacy of personal and personal health information is managed following The Health Information Protection Act (HIPA), The Local   Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIP), and The Cancer Agency Act;

  >Investigates privacy breaches and complaints;

  >Manages and responds to formal requests for Access to Information under LA FOIP;

  >Provides training and education to Cancer Agency staff, physicians and volunteers on privacy, confidentiality and access to information;

  >Supports the provision of electronic patient records upon request;

  >Prepares privacy impact assessment reports on Cancer Agency projects and initiatives; and

  >Works with and supports healthcare partners as necessary.

How is my information protected?

The Cancer Agency has policies and procedures to ensure appropriate measures are taken to safeguard confidential information. Cancer Agency staff, physicians, and volunteers will only collect, use and disclose confidential information within the “need to know” and in accordance with their work duties, Cancer Agency policies, or as required or allowed by law.

All Cancer Agency employees sign confidentiality agreements and complete privacy training. In addition, the Cancer Agency regularly audits its employees' activities in electronic medical record systems to ensure access is appropriate and authorized. 

How is my information collected?

New patients provide confidential information for identification and care purposes. The Cancer Agency may also obtain information regarding care from other healthcare providers and health organizations (e.g., prior diagnostic testing, etc.). This ensures we have all information relevant to your previous medical history and can appropriately direct your ongoing and future care.

The Cancer Agency maintains a cancer registry that supports the management and analysis of data for individuals diagnosed with cancer in the province. The Cancer Agency Act mandates the collection and use of specific cancer information to support cancer research, outcome analysis and delivery of cancer control services.

The Cancer Agency also operates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. under The Cancer Agency Act. The SCA receives demographic information of Saskatchewan residents who meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the programs. They are automatically enrolled to receive early detection screening services. Anyone who does not wish to participate in the screening programs can "opt-out" of these services upon request by contacting the screening programs.

How is my information used and shared?

Authorized Cancer Agency staff access and share your personal health information for the following purposes:

  >To correctly identify you;

  >To advise and remind you when tests are due, inform you of test results, provide treatment and testing, and ensure proper follow-up and future care     when necessary;

  >To measure, evaluate, and monitor the services the Cancer Agency provides;

  >To coordinate your care with other health care providers and health care services;

  >To provide you with information about our early detection programs;

  >To provide health and social services that will benefit your health and well-being;

  >For research; and

  >As required or allowed by law.

How can I access or request a change to my personal health information or make changes to my personal information?

You have the right to request access to your confidential information and request changes if you believe there has been an error or omission in your information. To view or obtain copies of your personal health information, contact the Cancer Agency's Release of the Information desk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For amendment requests to your personal health information, please contact the Cancer Agency Privacy Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Access to Information Requests (LA FOIP)

LA FOIP supports the balance between the public's right to know and an individual's right to privacy. The Act provides access to most records under the control of a public body (excluding personal health information) while still protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Before submitting a formal access to information request, please contact the Caner Agency's Privacy Office. Often, the information already exists and the request can be filled without engaging a formal process.

If a formal request is submitted, it must be made in writing (LA FOIP form) to the Cancer Agency Privacy Office. The Privacy Office will work with you to clarify and process your request.

    > There is a $20 processing fee for all LA FOIP requests. Your request will be processed once the fee is paid.

    > Additional fees may also be associated with retrieving/compiling the responsive records. The Privacy Office will work with you to establish the    applicable fees before completing the request.

Who can I talk to if I have questions/concerns regarding privacy?

For concerns regarding privacy matters, to request a privacy audit, to submit an access to information or amendment request, or for more information, please contact:

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Privacy Office

4545 Parliament Avenue #200

Regina, Sk. S4W 0G3

Phone: 1-855-833-2143 (toll-free)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If the Cancer Agency is unable to resolve your concern to your satisfaction, please contact:

Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner

503-1801 Hamilton Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4B4

Phone: 1-877-748-2298 (toll free) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.oipc.sk.ca

Privacy Resources

Legislation