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Manitoba Boosts Breast Cancer Screenings for High-Risk Groups
11 Mar
Summary
- New legislation targets earlier breast cancer screenings for at-risk individuals.
- Screening eligibility age in Manitoba was recently lowered from 50 to 45.
- Bill 32 aims to provide equitable access to mammograms for remote and diverse populations.
Manitoba is poised to improve breast cancer screening with new legislation focused on earlier detection for high-risk individuals. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara introduced Bill 32, which seeks to establish a dedicated process for those at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
This initiative follows a recent change in January, lowering the general screening eligibility age from 50 to 45. The new bill, if passed, is expected to significantly strengthen screening protocols across the province.
Asagwara stated that the legislation would ensure "equitable access" to mammograms for various groups. This includes individuals in remote and rural areas, along with Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour who face elevated risks.
Previously, in Fall 2024, the NDP government pledged to phase in screening improvements. These plans included making screenings available for 45-year-olds by the end of 2025, with a future goal of lowering the age to 40. The province also committed to hiring additional mammography technologists to manage an anticipated doubling of screening procedures.