Apart from Whyalla, replacement mammography units at Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Port Pirie are also fast tracked by Country Health SA.

Country Health SA chief executive officer George Beltchev said the changes were being made in response to community concerns about the importance of the mammography service.

He said the tender process has been halved to save time.

"Mammograms are currently the best technique available for early detection of breast cancer, making them vital for successful treatment," Mr Beltchev said.

"We know that women who take advantage of mammography screening reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 41 per cent, so it is imperative that women in all parts of the State can access screening services."

Country Health SA estimates that more than 900 mammograms are conducted at Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Port Augusta and Port Pirie each year.

"Making it easier for South Australian women to access high quality mammography services is part of our commitment to keeping South Australians healthy," Mr Beltchev said.

Whyalla's mammography service is run by private provider I-Met Network.

Country Health SA has commended I-Med Network for its decision to act quickly to replace a unit that is not functioning at optimal capacity, an interim measure that will save travel time until the tender process for replacement services for the whole region is finalised.

For more information about breast cancer and mammography services, contact BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 or log on to www.breastscreensa.sa.gov.au