The Manitoba government is expanding access to early breast cancer detection by lowering the self-referral age for BreastCheck screening to 45.
Manitobans aged 45 and older will be able to book screening appointments starting January 2, 2026. The province says the change follows investments in staff, equipment and outreach aimed at increasing screening capacity while maintaining quality of care.
CancerCare Manitoba has hired seven new mammography technologists, with further recruitment ongoing, and is upgrading mammography equipment at screening sites across the province, with completion targeted for the end of 2026. The agency expects to complete about 47,000 breast screens in 2025.
Outreach efforts have also been expanded, including engagement with more than 30 First Nations communities and partnerships with newcomer, Indigenous and racialized organizations to reduce access barriers.
Work is also already underway to further expand eligibility to age 40 by the end of 2026.
More information on screening locations is available at cancercare.mb.ca/screening, or appointments can be booked by calling 1-855-952-4325.
