Breast Screening Advocates Manitoba

Strengthening Communities Through Awareness and Advocacy for Early Detection

Give Manitobans a chance to find breast cancer early!

Three critical issues currently impacting the early detection of breast cancer for Manitobans.

Women aged 45–49 will be able to self-refer for a mammogram beginning January 2, 2026. However, this age group is not expected to receive routine invitation letters, meaning some eligible participants may be unaware of this important change;
Women aged 40-44 in Manitoba cannot self-refer for a screening mammogram until December 2026;
Women with dense breasts cannot access additional breast cancer screening.

If you are experiencing any of the 12 symptoms of breast cancer, DO NOT WAIT.

Make a healthcare appointment as soon as possible. If you do not have a primary care provider—or cannot get a timely appointment—use virtual care services such as QDoc or Maple.

Be clear and assertive in your appointment: request diagnostic imaging and ask that it be marked URGENT. Screening programs are for people without symptoms; symptoms require immediate diagnostic follow-up. Early action can make a life-changing difference.

Click the lemons photo to visit knowyourlemons.org.

Bright pink graphic showing an egg carton filled with lemons used to illustrate signs of breast cancer. Each lemon represents a possible symptom, labeled above or below: thick area, breast dimple, nipple crust, pain or itch in one spot, new fluid from the nipple, skin sores, bump, growing vein, sunken nipple, new shape or size, orange-peel–like skin or rash, and hard lump. Headline reads “What breast cancer can look + feel like.” Bottom text reads “Know Your Lemons – Breast health education for early detection.”

Why Screen at 40?

Seventeen percent of breast cancers are found in women in their 40s.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women aged 40-49.
Women of that age account for 17.5% of breast cancer deaths.
Women in their 40s represent 27% of the life-years lost to breast cancer and have the most years of life to gain when screening is performed.
Although breast cancer is less common in younger premenopausal women, it is more aggressive because of the presence of ovarian hormones.

Why Women with Dense Breasts Need Supplemental Screening

Dense breasts have two risk factors:

They increase your risk for breast cancer
Dense breasts make it difficult for breast cancer to be seen on a mammogram

Early detection saves lives. Know your normal, get screened, and spread awareness

Shannon was denied a $100 mammogram between the ages of 35-42; instead approximately
$110 798 was spent on treating her for Stage III breast cancer. She found her cancer when she was 42 and it wasn't a lump.

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Nova Scotia Breast Screening Advocates

Breast Cancer Advocacy Saskatchewan

We acknowledge that Breast Screening Advocates Manitoba serves on the traditional territories of Treaties 1 through 5, which include the lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, Inuit and the Métis Nation. We honour the treaties made on these territories and are dedicated to fostering respectful relationships and working toward reconciliation. We are committed to ensuring that these communities are well-served with knowledge and support about breast cancer screening.

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