The Manitoba government is expanding breast cancer screening services in southern Manitoba.

 

New screening and diagnostic mammography services are being added at the new Portage Regional Health Centre, which is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

 

Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara says the move will improve access to breast screening in the region, reduce travel, and help more Manitobans get earlier detection and care closer to home.

 

CancerCare Manitoba will provide screening services at the new Portage la Prairie location, while diagnostic mammograms for patients with symptoms will also be available once services begin.

 

The Portage District General Hospital Foundation has approved 725-thousand dollars to support the expansion, including new mammography equipment, operating room breast equipment and training for a mammography technologist.

 

Manitoba lowered the breast cancer screening age for self-referral to 45 in January, and plans to lower it again to 40 by the end of this year.