Province improving access to breast cancer screening in southern Manitoba

File: A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer.(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

A southern Manitoba community will soon have improved access to breast cancer screening.

On Friday, the Manitoba government announced the addition of screening and diagnostic mammography services to the Portage Regional Health Centre, which is set to open in spring 2027.

According to the province, this marks the first time these services will be available in Portage la Prairie.

“For the first time, women and their families in Portage la Prairie are going to have access to breast health services, mammography services right here at home,” said Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara at a news conference on Friday.

“This is incredible news. It’s an expansion to breast health services in screening and diagnostic services that people have been advocating for, for many years.”

CancerCare Manitoba will be providing the screening services, which will improve early detection and access to care.

The province noted that the Portage District General Hospital Foundation has pledged $725,000 for the expansion of breast health services in Portage la Prairie. This money will go towards the mammography suite, equipment, operating room, and training a technologist.

“This screening is going to ensure that thousands of Manitoba women who have had to leave their community to get this care, we’re talking about three to four thousand folks annually, are going to be able to get that care right here in Portage la Prairie, closer to home,” Asagwara said.

In January 2026, Manitoba lowered the breast cancer screening age for self referral to 45. The age of self-referral is expected to be lowered to 40 by the end of the year.