BREAST CANCER

Here you can learn:

• How Common is Breast Cancer

• What is Breast Cancer

• What Causes Breast Cancer

• Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

• What You Can Do

• Helpful Hints and Links

HOW COMMON IS IT?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Canadian women.  It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women; the first is lung cancer.

One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.  One in 27 will die of it.  On average, 407 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week and 100 Canadian women will die of breast cancer every week.

Breast cancer in men is more rare. 

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast.  Breast tissue covers more than just the breast area.  It extends to the collarbone and from the armpit to the breastbone.  Breast tissue changes with age, from mostly milk ducts in adolescence to mostly fatty tissue in older women.  If breast cancer is diagnosed early, it may be very small and hard to notice.  

Early detection of breast cancer by self examination or mammogram screening can prevent deaths.  Mammography is more accurate. 

WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?

Researchers are trying to find out what causes breast cancer and there are many studies underway. There is no single cause of breast cancer but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it.  A risk factor means anything that can increase your chance of getting cancer.  It is important to focus on the risk factors that you can change (such as alcohol) rather than those that you cannot change (such as family history). 

Many women with breast cancer do not have any of the risk factors identified below.  Diet, physical activity and obesity are being studied as possible links to breast cancer. 

The two highest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older.  Other factors include:   

• Age -  Breast cancer can occur at any age but the older you are, the greater are your chances of developing it.

• Family history – Most women with breast cancer do not have a family history.  However, the highest risk occurs in women who have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer that was diagnosed before menopause.  Also, if a woman has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

• Family history – If there are family members who have uterine, colorectal, or ovarian cancers.

• Women who have had previous breast disorders where a biopsy has shown abnormal cells.

• Women who have never been pregnant or had a first child after age 30 have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.

• Women who began having their menstrual period early and/or women who began menopause later than average have a higher risk of breast cancer development.

• Women who have dense breast tissue.

• Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen and progestin have a higher risk.

Drinking alcohol regularly increases the risk.  If you have more than 2 – 5 drinks in a day, your risk increases greatly.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER

There are signs and symptoms of possible breast cancer however having these signs may not mean that you have breast cancer.  They may be caused by other problems so it is important to check with your family doctor to be sure.

• Lump in your breast

• Lump in your armpit

• Nipple turns inward

• Nipple discharge

• Nipple develops crusting, ulcers or eczema like symptoms

• Breast size and shape changes

• Breast skin changes

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It is very important that you know your own breasts so you can notice if changes occur.  Many breast changes are not cancer and may be a result of other problems, so check with your family doctor.

Breast cancer should not be left untreated.  It is important to find the cancer early so it can be treated right away.

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION:

It is important that you examine your breasts regularly so you will know your normal breasts and can detect any changes.  You can do this monthly in the shower or bath.  There are pamphlets available on how to examine your own breasts correctly. 

BREAST CANCER SCREENING TESTS: 

1. Mammography – is a safe, quick and low dose X-ray picture of the breast.
    

2. Clinical Breast Examination – is a physical breast examination performed by a specially trained nurse

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)  www.cancercare.on.ca/obsp/ provides a free service to women.  Health professionals provide clinical breast examinations and mammography to identify any breast abnormalities which may lead to cancer.  All women between 50 and 69 years of age should have a mammography every 2 years.  You can call for your own appointment.  

Local Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offices in Grey and Bruce Counties are located in Owen Sound and Walkerton.    

Owen Sound - 376-8637         Grey Bruce Health Services.

Walkerton -    881-4030                     County of Bruce General Hospital.

To find the center closest to you, call 1-888-939-3333.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

BE GOOD TO YOURSELF.

HELPFUL HINTS AND LINKS

BEFORE AGE 50:

• Do regular self breast examinations

• Know your breasts and look for changes

• Have a yearly physical exam by your family doctor

• Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for developing breast cancer.

AT AGE 50 PLUS:

• Have a mammography every 2 years.  The Ontario Breast Screening Program can start this process for you.  After age 70, talk to your doctor about a screening program that fits you.

• Have a clinical breast examination by a trained health professional every 2 years.  The Ontario Breast Screening Program can start this process for you. 

• Do regular self breast examinations.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC:

Links:

www.cancercare.on.ca - Cancer Care Ontario

www.cancer.ca - Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Information, Breast Cancer

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/diseases/breast_cancer.html - Health Canada, Breast Cancer

www.womenshealthmatters.ca - Women’s Health Matters

www.canadian-health-network.ca - Canadian Health Network

www.cancercare.on.ca/obsp - Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) – Visit this site for information on breast screening, mammography and screening locations.

www.cbcn.ca - Canadian Breast Cancer Network

www.hopkinshospital.org/health_info/Cancer/index.html - Johns Hopkins University Breast Center

www.willow.org/statement.html - Provides survivor to survivor breast cancer support and information.

For more information locally, call the Grey Bruce Health Unit at (519) 376-9420.  Each local library in Grey and Bruce County has a copy of the “Breast Health Information Kit”.