Good news for women’s health

Union Station

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/01/2026 (231 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’m excited to share a meaningful step forward in women’s health care. Manitoba has lowered the self‑referral age for breast screening to 45, expanding access to early detection for thousands more people across our province. Appointments for eligible Manitobans began on Jan. 2.

This change puts early detection front and centre and delivers on our government’s commitment to improve women’s health care. Earlier screening saves lives. By making it easier to start routine mammograms at 45, we’re helping people get care before symptoms appear, when treatment can be most effective.

We’re also making the process straightforward. To find a screening site and book your appointment, visit CancerCare Manitoba’s BreastCheck screening page at cancercare.mb.ca/screening/info/breast or call 1‑855‑952‑4325. These are the official channels, and they’re ready to help you schedule your first – or next – mammogram.

For years, the Progressive Conservative government cut breast-health services, including mobile breast cancer screening. We know that was wrong, and it hurt Manitoba women. We are taking a much different approach. Lowering the screening age is just part of our larger plan to strengthen capacity and equity in cancer care. CancerCare Manitoba has recruited seven new mammography technologists, with additional hiring underway to support rising demand. Screening sites across Manitoba are also being upgraded with new mammography equipment, with a target to complete upgrades by the end of 2026. In the meantime, CancerCare Manitoba is on track to complete approximately 47,000 breast screens in 2025, ensuring the system is ready to support more people while maintaining high‑quality care.

Outreach has also expanded to reduce travel and access barriers – including engagement with more than 30 First Nations communities and partnerships with newcomer, Indigenous, and racialized community organizations – so that location, income or background don’t stand between you and a life‑saving screen. For many folks here in Union Station, where families balance shift work, caregiving, and transit, more accessible screening means fewer missed appointments and care closer to home.

And we’re not stopping here. Lowering the age to 45 is a major milestone in our multi‑year plan; work is already underway to expand eligibility to age 40 by the end of 2026. That’s how we turn listening into action, by investing in people, modern equipment, and strong partnerships that meet communities where they are.

Thank you for being part of this progress. If you’re 45 or older, please book your BreastCheck appointment and encourage a friend to do the same. Together, we’re building a healthier, more equitable province.

As always, please reach out to my office at uzoma.asagwara@yourmanitoba.ca or call 204-306-8581 if you have questions or need help. You can also visit my office at 210B-254 Edmonton St., open from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.