WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government plans to expand cancer services by creating new regional treatments hubs in Brandon, Selkirk, Steinbach and Thompson.

The government says the hubs will allow patients to receive more care closer to home.

It's part of a plan to upgrade 16 chemotherapy centres to offer a complete range of cancer services.

Premier Greg Selinger says the government will also hire 50 more front-line staff, including pathologists and technologists.

Another goal is to offer more after-hours care for cancer patients and to introduce digital mammography.