Manitoba has expanded access to breast cancer screening, making timely, informed conversations with patients even more important. 

What’s new: BreastCheck now accepts self-referrals from average-risk, asymptomatic people aged 45 to 49.

• People aged 45 and over can self-refer
• No provider referral is required
• Booking line: 1−855−952−4325

Further details: Additional information is available for physicians:

• Review the Practice Change PDF and updated guidelines at the CancerCare Manitoba website.
• Register for a CancerCare Manitoba webinar on updated breast cancer screening guidance. The webinar is Certified for up to 1.0 Mainpro credit. Register here.

What’s next: The government has committed to further expanding eligibility down to age 40 by the end of 2026.

The intrigue: The change to the guidelines has come amid some controversy. Strong advocacy from breast cancer patient groups convinced policymakers to make a change here and in most provinces, even as feedback from experts with the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and cancer organizations raised concerns about potential harms from screening, a lack of clear evidence, and insufficient capacity including equipment, radiologists, and technologists. 

Within the radiology community those radiologists performing the work at the Breast Health Centre assessing and caring for patients are already under-resourced and overburdened with the existing patient load. 

➡️ You will see on CancerCare Manitoba website language that reinforces screening is a choice, and that patients should speak to their health care providers about the benefits and risks.