Successful PC Advocacy Leads to Lowering of Breast Cancer Screening Age; More Work to Do: Cook
WINNIPEG — Following two years of effort by Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Health, and hundreds of survivors and advocates, Manitoba is moving forward to lower the self-referral screening age for breast cancer from 50 to 45.
“This initial step is a win for Manitoba women,” said Cook. “This life-saving milestone could not have been achieved without the tireless effort of advocates over the past two years.”
Progressive Conservatives have been advocating since 2024 in the Legislature to reduce the breast cancer screening age to 40, with Cook introducing the Earlier Screening for Breast Cancer Act three times to accomplish just that.
Reintroduced this month as Bill 213, the legislation sets a firm deadline to lower the age to 40 by no later than Dec. 31, 2026. It also mandates yearly public reporting on progress toward this goal and the number of mammograms performed each year.
“What’s measured is managed,” said Cook. “Annual reporting on the province’s path to reducing mammography wait times and improving capacity provides transparency and confidence to Manitobans that women’s health isn’t being left in limbo.”
As a direct result of debating the original bill in 2024, NDP health minister Uzoma Asagwara announced plans to lower the age to 40, after previously only committing to age 45. However, two years in a row, the bill passed second reading in the Legislature with unanimous support only for the government to let it die. Cook hopes that the third time will be the charm.
“I stand by this life-saving piece of legislation and will keep bringing it forward,” added Cook. “Breast cancer in younger women tends to be diagnosed at later stages and is often more aggressive. Manitoba needs a comprehensive, transparent plan. Women can’t wait any longer.”
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