The Manitoba government is lowering the self-referral age for BreastCheck screening to 45, expanding access to early breast cancer detection, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
Manitobans aged 45 and older will be able to begin booking screening appointments starting Jan. 2, 2026.
The change follows targeted investments in staff and equipment to expand screening capacity and support increased demand while maintaining quality of care, the province said. The move also responds to recommendations from advocacy groups, including Dense Breasts Canada, which earlier this year praised Manitoba for expanding access for 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,” said Asagwara. “We’re investing in more staff and stronger outreach to ensure every community—rural, northern, newcomer and underserved—benefits from this change.”
To support the expansion, CancerCare Manitoba has recruited seven new mammography technologists, with further recruitment underway. Screening sites across the province are being upgraded with new mammography equipment, with completion targeted by the end of 2026. The agency is also on track to complete about 47,000 breast screens in 2025.
CancerCare Manitoba has added a dedicated outreach position focused on increasing access to screening, including 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 of population oncology. “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.”
The minister said lowering the screening age to 45 is a milestone in a multi-year plan, with work underway to further expand 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,” said Jennifer Borgfjord. “Expanding access to screening in the 40s will help detect cancers earlier and save lives.”
Information on screening locations is available at cancercare.mb.ca/screening. Appointments can be booked by calling 1-855-952-4325.
