Statement from PC Health Critic Kathleen Cook on Lowering of Breast Cancer Screening Age to 45
WINNIPEG — Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Health, issued the following statement today on the breast cancer screening age in Manitoba being lowered to 45:
“I want to thank the countless breast cancer survivors, medical experts, and organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and Dense Breasts Canada, who have passionately advocated for this change over the past year. Your efforts have been invaluable in raising awareness about this critical issue to the government, and despite the NDP’s initial refusal, they have finally decided to act. Today’s announcement is a direct result of these advocates’ persistence and dedication.
“My PC colleagues and I have been urging the NDP to take action on women’s health for months on the floor of the Legislature and in the media. And while we welcome this initial step, their vague promise to ‘eventually lower the screening age to 40’ is simply not good enough. Wait times for screening mammograms in Manitoba today are as high as a year in some parts of Manitoba. The NDP need to provide a step-by-step plan to address their lack of a strategy to attract technologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals in Manitoba. Women’s health cannot be left in limbo; we need concrete action and a solid, transparent plan to save the lives of Manitoba women.
“Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women aged 40 to 55 in Canada. Studies show that women who have mammograms in their 40s are 44% less likely to die of breast cancer than those who do not undergo screening. Early screening makes a difference, and it saves lives.
“We will continue to push the NDP to develop a comprehensive plan to lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. We will also continue to advocate for improved mammography wait times in Manitoba. This should not be a political issue. It’s about doing what’s right for the women of Manitoba.”
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For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca