Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you also to the committee for the opportunity to speak about the draft guidelines prepared by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, also known as the task force on breast cancer screening.

This is an important topic, and all of us here today want to reduce the impact of breast cancer on Canadian women. It's important to remember that we are united in this goal, even if opinions and perspectives differ.

I am Dr. Donna Turner, an epidemiologist and the chief of population oncology at CancerCare Manitoba. Joining me today is Dr. Pamela Hebbard, who is a cancer surgeon and the head of surgical oncology for CancerCare Manitoba.

Breast cancer is a complex subject, and considering breast cancer screening, we find there's often confusion about what is screening and what is not. Screening is a test offered to all women who do not have symptoms and who have an average risk of breast cancer. Women who find a lump in their breast or who are experiencing symptoms that are not normal for them need a diagnostic workup. Women who are at higher than average risk, due to family history or genetic predisposition, are often best served by tailored or individualized screening.

Regardless, our message to all women is that, if you experience something that is not right for you, please see your health care provider right away.

In our province, CancerCare Manitoba works to deliver evidence-based programs, while supporting Manitobans throughout their cancer journey. For example, as a result of the evidence coming forward related to screening, we are promoting screening where the evidence is strongest, including for women aged 50 to 74. I note that, like other Canadian jurisdictions, we have not achieved the 70% target rate among women who are most likely to benefit from screening, which are those in these age groups.

Second, we work with communities and Manitobans who are at risk of being underserved by our health care system, including those who are racialized, gender diverse and/or residents of geographically remote communities, to reduce inequities in breast cancer screening access and ensure improved health outcomes.

Third, we are acting with our health care partners to provide avenues to best support all women to make informed decisions about their health. Based on recent evidence, this includes women aged 40 to 49 who may want to explore their options for mammography by further understanding the benefits as well as the harms.

At this time, I'll turn it over to my colleague, Dr. Hebbard.