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Thursday, March 11, 2010                 Français
You are here: RCP Programs/Services »   Preventive Oncology and Screening »   Screening and Early Detection »   Breast Screening & Early Detection

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Breast Screening & Early Detection
 
Breast Screening Saves Lives!


Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Ontario women; however, fewer Ontario women are dying of breast cancer – the mortality rate has decreased by over 30% in the past two decades. This is due to improved treatments for breast cancer as well as an increase in the number of women attending breast screening programs. Breast screening can find changes in a woman’s breast early, before any symptoms may appear. It consists of mammography, a low dose x-ray of the breasts; and a physical examination of the breasts by a doctor or nurse. There is no screening test that is 100% accurate for detecting breast cancer; however, these methods combined are currently the most reliable for detecting breast cancer.  The provincial program for breast screening in Ontario is the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP).
Cancer Facts and Targets
In 2007-2008 in North East Ontario, 56.4% of women aged 50-69  were participating in the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP).
 
The Cancer 2020 target is to have 90% of women aged 50-69 participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
What You Can Do
 
1. Follow these breast screening guidelines as recommended by Cancer Care Ontario:
 
·         Know how your breasts normally look and feel.
·         Know what breast changes to look for, such as
o        A lump or dimpling
o        Changes in your nipple or fluid leaking from the nipple
o        Skin changes or redness that do not go away
o        Any other changes in your breasts.
·         Look and feel for changes.
·         If you notice any changes, see your doctor. Most changes are not cancerous but you should have them checked right away.
·         Have a physical breast exam by a doctor or nurse as part of your regular health check-up.
·         If you are 40-49, talk to your doctor or nurse about having a mammogram.

·         If you are 50 or older, go for a free mammogram at the Ontario Breast Screening Program. There are 12 OBSP sites in North Eastern Ontario – to contact the centre nearest you call the OBSP toll free number:  1-800-661-8897.  

OBSP Screening Locations  

                                        
 

    

                            

 

        

 
Links and Resources
What You Can Do - continued
 
2.       Help reduce your risk:
 
·         Be physically active.
·         Maintain a healthy body weight.
·         If you do consume alcohol, limit your intake to no more than 1 drink per day.
·         If you are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), try to minimize the length of time you take it.
·         If you are a new mother breast feed your baby.
·         Be a non-smoker and avoid exposure to second hand smoke.
 
For more information on breast screening see Links and Resources
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