A mobile Breast Cancer Screening Clinic has popped up in Portage la Prairie in hopes of helping community members with early detection.
Executive Director for Central Plains Cancer Services, Sharilyn Knox, explains that this clinic is put on by Cancer Care Manitoba's breast check program.
"Every woman who is over the age of 50 should be getting a mammogram every three years. You should be getting a letter in the mail if you are due for one."
Knox adds that although you should be getting a reminder in the mail for a breast check, you shouldn't just rely on that system.
"We really want to have people in Portage and the surrounding area using the mobile clinic so that we can fill up those point appointments. We want them to see what a need we have in this region and that people don't need to travel to Winnipeg for these appointments. "
While a mammogram may seem scary, Knox says it's a simple 15-minute check-up that can save your life.
"The staff in the mobile clinics are so fabulous. When they were in town once before, I went and just visited and checked them out. They're really great."
While men can get breast cancer too, they cannot use the mobile clinic as men cannot get a mammogram; they need an ultrasound to detect breast cancer.
This Mobile Clinic, located by the Portage District General Hospital, will be available until April 6 in Portage.