WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government plans to lower the age for breast cancer self-referrals, starting with a reduction from age 50 to 45 by the end of next year.
The move is part of a broader initiative to help more women access life-saving breast cancer screenings, says Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
“As we lower the screening age in Manitoba, it’s critical that the system has what it needs to meet a higher demand,” said Asagwara.
“This will ensure that vulnerable people – especially marginalized and low-income women – are able to access the care they need.”
CancerCare Manitoba is working to hire more mammography technologists and boost the number of screening appointments for individuals aged 50 to 74. When fully implemented, the program will nearly double its annual capacity, offering more than 80,000 mammograms across the province.
“Expanding breast screening to more Manitobans will save lives and we look forward to working with our partners at CancerCare Manitoba to deliver this service to the people who need them in a timely manner,”added Dr. Duncan Inglis, surgeon and medical director, Breast Health Centre.
This expansion aims to provide services closer to home, with an emphasis on culturally sensitive care for underserved populations.
