The Manitoba government has announced that it is expanding access to early breast cancer detection by lowering the self-referral age for BreastCheck screening to 45. Manitobans aged 45 and older can begin booking appointments starting Jan. 2, 2026.
The expansion follows targeted investments in staff and equipment to strengthen Manitoba’s breast cancer screening capacity and ensures the system is ready to safely support increased demand, allowing health authorities to screen more people while maintaining high-quality care. It also delivers on the Manitoba government’s commitment to early detection and follows recommendations from advocates, including Dense Breasts Canada, which praised the Manitoba government earlier this year for expanding access to people in their 40s.
“Earlier screening saves lives, and lowering the age to 45 will help thousands more Manitobans get care when it makes the biggest difference. This is an important step toward improving women’s health in Manitoba,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Thank you to the technologists, nurses and partners who make this work possible. We’re investing in more staff and stronger outreach to ensure every community – rural, northern, newcomer and underserved – benefits from this change by making access to breast screening more equitable.”
To support the expansion, CancerCare Manitoba has undertaken significant preparatory work to increase screening capacity. Seven new mammography technologists have been recruited to support growing demand with continued recruitment underway. Screening sites across Manitoba are being upgraded with new mammography equipment, with a target for completion by the end of 2026. CancerCare Manitoba is also on track to complete approximately 47,000 breast screens in 2025.
CancerCare Manitoba expanded its outreach efforts by adding a dedicated staff position in June focused on increasing access to screening. Their work includes engagement with more than 30 First Nations communities and partnerships with newcomer, Indigenous and racialized community organizations to reduce travel and access barriers.
“We are very encouraged by the Manitoba government’s support for CancerCare Manitoba’s commitment to cancer screening,” said Dr. Donna Turner, vice-president and chief, population oncology, CancerCare Manitoba. “By investing in people and infrastructure, we can reach more individuals where they live and reduce barriers to screening, especially in rural, remote, northern and equity-deserving communities.”
Lowering the screening age to 45 marks a major milestone in Manitoba’s multi-year plan, the minister noted, and work is already underway to continue expanding eligibility to age 40 by the end of 2026.
“Breast Screening Advocates Manitoba welcomes the government’s decision to lower the breast cancer screening age to 45 and we commend them for taking this important step,” said Jennifer Borgfjord, Breast Screening Advocates Manitoba. “Expanding access to screening in the 40s will help detect cancers earlier and save lives.”
For information on screening locations visit cancercare.mb.ca. To book an appointment call 1-855-952-4325.
