Dear Health Minister Asagwara,

We, the undersigned citizens of Manitoba, are writing this open letter to draw your attention to a critical issue that demands immediate attention: all individuals in our province should be allowed to self-refer for breast cancer screening at age 40. This will align with modern science, Canadian jurisdictions, and international standards.

Currently, screening at age 50 in Manitoba misses a critical opportunity for early detection in younger women. Indeed, 13.5% of breast cancers occur in women aged 40-49, and cancer in this age group is aggressive. In addition, studies show the peak incidence of breast cancer for Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Hispanic women is in the mid-forties, whereas for Caucasian women, it is in the late 50s and early 60s.

Manitoba will soon become the ONLY province where individuals cannot self-refer in their 40s. Through the early detection of breast cancer, we can significantly reduce suffering, save lives, and alleviate the burden of this devastating disease on Manitobans.

We ask you to do the right thing for our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, colleagues, and friends. Please take action now and lower the screening age to 40.

Thank you.