What is breast cancer ?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women. Finding it early provides the best chance of treating it successfully. Breast cancer occurs where there is growth of abnormal cells in the breast. The cancer cells crowd out healthy cells and can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph or blood system.
The earlier the cancer is found and treated, the greater the chances that it will be cured. Depending on a women’s age risks, early detection of breast cancer may include a mammogram and a women’s awareness of unusual changes in her own breasts.
Sources: Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Screening for breast cancer
Screening for breast cancer (Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario) is done through mammography. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray that can detect changes in the breast tissue that are too small to see or feel. During a mammogram, a registered medical radiation technologist specializing in mammography will place your breast on a special X-ray machine. A plastic plate will be pressed down slowly to flatten your breast and hold it in place for a few seconds. You will feel some pressure on your breast – it feels similar to a tight blood pressure cuff. You will be notified of your test results and a report will also be sent directly to your primary care provider.
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) provides a free breast cancer screening for women ages 50 to 74 years. The OBSP also now screens women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer.
Sources: Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
To book your mammogram, contact:
Breast Screening & Assessment Service, Health Sciences North
865 Regent St South (5th Floor)
Sudbury, ON
Tel: 705.675.2283
MyHealth Centre
65 Larch Street
Sudbury, ON
Tel: 705.673.2565
Reduce risk of developing breast cancer
- Get screened! (Ontario Health)
- Know what is normal (Canadian Cancer Society) for your breast; be breast aware and notify a health care provider if you notice any changes in your breast.
- Know your personal risk factors (family history).
- Follow a healthy lifestyle by eating well, being active, living smoke free and reducing alcohol consumption.
- Visit My CancerIQ (Cancer Care Ontario) in order to determine your risks of developing breast cancer.
- Use the Time to Screen Tool (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) to find out when you should be screened for breast cancer.