Use Your Voice

Use Your Voice to Make Change!

Manitoba has taken a significant step forward with the September 24, 2024, announcement to allow self-referral for breast cancer screening starting at age 40. While this is a positive development, the policy must be implemented immediately to save lives. Currently, screening at age 50 misses a critical opportunity for early detection in women aged 40-49, a group in which 17.5% of breast cancers occur, and the cancers are often more aggressive. Studies also show that the peak incidence of breast cancer in Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Hispanic women occurs earlier than in Caucasian women, highlighting the need for earlier access to screening. If we don’t act quickly, Manitoba will become the only province where individuals cannot self-refer in their 40s. Early detection saves lives and significantly reduces suffering—let’s ensure this opportunity is available to all. 

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Find your MLA and email address here

Note: 

when addressing an official, 

• use MLA Smith if they are backbencher or elected from a non-governing party

• Use Minister Smith if they are a member of the cabinet - you can click the link above to find the information that you need

Email:

Subject: Addressing the Gaps in Breast Cancer Screening in Manitoba

Dear [MLA's Name],

 I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge the Government of Manitoba to take immediate action to modernize its breast cancer screening policies—particularly as they relate to individuals with dense breast tissue and timely access to screening beginning in the 40s.

Breast density is one of the strongest independent risk factors for breast cancer. Dense breast tissue not only increases the risk of developing cancer, but also makes it more difficult for mammograms to detect abnormalities. Standard mammography can miss up to 50% of cancers in dense breasts, yet Manitoba does not currently offer supplemental screening, such as breast ultrasound or MRI, to those affected. Many people are never even informed of their breast density after a mammogram. Other provinces have taken steps to address breast density by offering supplemental imaging. Manitoba must do the same.

 Additionally, breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people in their 40s, often at later stages, due to outdated screening guidelines that delay access. Manitoba’s current policy requiring a physician referral for anyone under 50 creates unnecessary barriers and inequities, especially for those without a regular primary care provider. The province announced screening at 45 to commence in December 2025 and at 40 in December 2026. We must ensure that the necessary work is being carried out now to guarantee that these announcements lead to meaningful and timely implementation with an emphasis on quantity AND quality.

 I strongly urge you to support the following actions at this time:

1. Offer publicly funded supplemental screening (e.g., ultrasound and/or MRI, new technologies) to individuals with dense breast tissue.
   
   

2. Ensure that the age of self-referral for routine screening is lowered to 40, as announced in September 2024, to align with emerging evidence and trends, and that the necessary infrastructure, including human resources, is in place to support this change effectively.

Early detection saves lives. Manitoba must do better to ensure that breast cancer is found when it is most treatable.

 I appreciate your support for addressing the critical issues of breast density and early screening. Still, it is essential to recognize that much more must be done to achieve optimal breast cancer screening practices in Manitoba. This includes ensuring equitable access for rural and BIPOC communities, implementing organized surveillance for individuals with a history of breast cancer, investing in new technologies, and addressing the need for additional healthcare resources to meet these challenges effectively.

 Thank you for your attention to these issues. I respectfully request your leadership to advocate for these urgent improvements.

 Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Mailing Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (optional)]