News Feature                   For Immediate Release

October 6, 2005

October is breast cancer awareness month

…being ‘aware’ is not enough

Breast cancer, the most common cancer in Ontario women, continues to take a serious toll.  More than 21,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with the disease this year and about 5,300 will die from it.  The rate of new cases of breast cancer in women rose between the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Since then, they have stayed much the same. However mortality rates have decreased somewhat.  Despite this evidence, breast cancer is still a very difficult diagnosis to hear.    

But awareness of breast cancer and the associated risk factors is not the same as protection.  In fact, most women with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease or many of the identified risk factors.   Awareness of the methods of early detection is, at present, the best protection.

Take for example the case of Melody King-Smillie.  Melody is a nurse.  She is well travelled and knowledgeable with a broad list of experiences.  Melody is aware of the risk factors of breast cancer. 

She was aware of the risk factors in 1992. She was then 32 years of age and single.  She knew she did not fall under the age ‘risk factor’.  She also knew that there was no history of breast cancer in her immediate family members. 

Still, when she found that cysts had formed in her breast, Melody was alarmed.  No abnormal cells were present, but still she knew that her best protection would be early detection.  Melody continued to do self breast examinations, and to have regular mammograms.  She kept this up for the next nine years.

In 2001, a lump the size of pea was discovered in her left breast.  Within two months it had grown to the size of an egg.  What followed were a lumpectomy, lymphnode removal, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment.  Melody suffered through the hair loss (with the turbans and wigs), puffiness, nausea and exhaustion for the next two years of the recovery period. She maintained throughout this her role and will to be a survivor and refused to become a victim.

Melody, who had only recently moved back to her place of birth in Kincardine, Bruce County, and even more recently just been married, credits her survival to faith, family and friends…and, of course, early detection.

There is no single cause of breast cancer but research suggests that some factors appear to decrease the risk of developing it.  A low fat, high fruit and vegetable diet, daily exercise, drinking less alcohol, being smoke free, maintaining a healthy weight, and having children sooner rather than later in life are all ways to reduce the risk.  These are things that any person can do and have control over. 

The Ontario Breast Screening Program offers mammograms or X-rays of the breast by a certified radiologist, clinical breast examination by a trained professional, information about breast self-examination, and a letter with your results sent to your home and to your doctor.  A follow-up letter is sent when it is time for another screening.  If you are over 50 years, this program is free and you can call for an appointment without a family doctor.  Mammograms can detect a tumour much sooner than self-examination.  Early detection is the key. 

 Progress has been made, but there are still many unanswered questions.  Be aware of the risk factors, but more importantly, use the techniques of early detection recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

For further information call Public Health at 376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments:

Fact Sheet 1

• Things Women Can Do to Decrease their Risk

You are welcome to call for more information or an interview with Melody King-Smillie

Contact name:  Karen Croker

Prevention and Early Detection of Cancer

Organization:  Public Health

Contact phone number:   376-9420 Ext 413

Fact Sheet 1

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Who Gets Breast Cancer?

• All women are at risk of getting breast cancer.
• Rates are 1 in 9.

Factors That a Woman Cannot Change About Herself:

• Age.   The older you are, the higher are your chances
• Family history of cancer increases the risk.
• Early start of menstruation
• Late menopause
• Abnormal gene for breast cancer: BRCA1 or BRCA2

Factors That a Woman Has Control Over/ Factors That A Woman Can Change

• Eating a healthy diet – low fat, 5 – 10 fruits and vegetables per day
• Lose extra pounds
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Quit smoking or do not start
• Get physically active – at least 30 minutes daily
• Check your breasts every month at the same time
• Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Have children earlier in life, if possible
• Breastfeed instead of formula feeding
• Get an appointment for the Ontario Breast Screening Program when you are 50 years old

What Can The Ontario Breast Screening Program Provide For Women:

• X-ray of the breasts
• Physical exam by a clinically trained professional
• Information on breast self-exam
• Letter of results to the doctor and to yourself
• Reminder to return for screening
• Connection to clinics immediately if positive
• Sites available in Owen Sound and Walkerton

NOTE:  Walkerton Site has an Open House on Oct 19, 2005 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Refreshments, draws for prizes, tours of the clinic, resources, x-rays, professionals available for questions.