News Release                                                

April 2, 2009

Be a Breast Friend - Salons are Spreading the Word

When women go to their hair salon this month, they may find themselves talking to their stylist about an important topic; preventing breast cancer. Health Units across Southwestern Ontario are working with select hair salons on a pilot project, Be a Breast Friend, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of breast health.

“Salons are places where women have time to talk and socialize with their stylist. Clients trust and listen to their stylists.” says Public Health Nurse, Wendy Beckett. Throughout April, stylist at participating salons in Grey Bruce will be handing out Be a Breast Friend information packages to interested clients. Stylists will also be encouraging women age 50 and older to call the Ontario Breast Screening Program to book a mammogram. 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Ontario. For women age 50 and older, the risk of breast cancer increases. Finding breast cancer early improves treatment options and survival rates. A mammogram is a breast x-ray that can find changes in the breast even when the changes are too small to feel. Unfortunately, many women fail to have regular mammograms. Currently in Grey Bruce, only 42% of women age 50 to 69 participate in regular screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

What Every Woman Should Know

• Be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner about any changes.

• Ask a doctor or nurse practitioner to examine your breasts every one to two years.

• If you are between the ages 40 and 49, discuss whether you need a mammogram with a doctor or nurse practitioner.

• Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram at least every two years. Women can book their own appointment by calling the Ontario Breast Screening Program in Owen Sound at 519-376-8637 or in Walkerton at 519-881-4030. No doctor’s referral is needed and there is no cost.

• Reduce your risk of breast cancer: maintain a healthy weight, eat well, be active, limit alcohol, live smoke free and be screened.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

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For more information:

Wendy Beckett, Public Health Nurse,

Chronic Disease Prevention

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext.1414