Document Actions
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Find out how to reduce your risk.
 | Amy Mickelson, wife of professional golfer Phil Mickelson, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009. Her celebrity status has helped increase awareness of breast cancer and the importance of regular screening practices. PGA players, wives, caddies, and fans wore pink at the Crowne Plaza Invitational as a way to support Amy and other women with breast cancer, and to raise funds for research. |
What is breast cancer?
When cancerous cells are found in the breast area (which ranges from the armpit to the breastbone and up to the collarbone), it is diagnosed as breast cancer.
How common is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. While rates are falling, the Canadian Cancer Society (2009) estimates that 22 700 women will be diagnosed this year, an average of 437 per week. Approximately 15 000 will live beyond five years after diagnosis.
One in nine Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is age, with most cases occurring in women aged 50 and over.
Be aware …
The risk for developing breast cancer depends on two types of risk factors. Those we have control over (modifiable) and those we don’t (non-modifiable).
Modifiable
| RISK FACTOR* | DESCRIPTION | AFFECT ON RISK |
| Body weight | Healthy body weight | Decrease |
| Physical activity | Regular, moderate physical activity | Decrease |
| Alcohol consumption | Moderate to heavy drinking | Increase |
| Tobacco use | Smoking/second-hand exposure | Increase |
Non-modifiable
| RISK FACTOR* | DESCRIPTION | AFFECT ON RISK |
| Sex | Female | Increase |
| Age | Older women | Increase |
| Personal history | Previous breast cancer | Increase |
| Family history | Immediate family member with breast cancer | Increase |
| Breast density | Dense breasts | Increase |
*Having a risk factor(s) doesn’t mean you will develop breast cancer. Also, some women who are diagnosed have no risk factors other than being female.
How can you reduce your risk?
Lead a healthy lifestyle - be smoke free, eat well, and include physical activity in your day. Also, eliminate or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Finding cancer early allows for more treatment options. The following screening practices are suggested to help detect breast cancer:
Breast awareness - encourages people to think about their breast health, to know how their own breasts normally look and feel, and to tell their health care provider about any changes. Women of all ages should be breast aware.
Clinical exam - a physical exam of the breasts done by a health care provider. Annual clinical exams are suggested for women of all ages.
Mammogram - a low-dose x-ray of the breast, which can fi nd changes at an earlier stage. In most cases, mammograms are suggested every two years for women over the age of 50. Check your provincial screening program for more information.
Developments in cancer research have led to improved screening, advances in treatment, and increased public education. Be sure to follow recommended prevention and screening guidelines. Breast cancer touches everyone, regardless of education level, financial status, or celebrity status. Talk to your health care provider today to address your long-term breast health.
KEY REFERENCES:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. (n.d). Breast cancer. Retrieved June 2, 2009, from www.cbcf.org/breastcancer
