Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, calling upon all Canadians to learn more about this disease and take active steps to prevent and fight it. As the Canadian Cancer Society says, “This month, nearly 2,600 people in Canada will hear the words, ‘You have breast cancer.’ what does the general public need to know about this alarmingly prevalent disease, and how can we all fight the good fight against it?

What is Breast Cancer?

Let’s begin by understanding exactly what breast cancer is. The World Health Organization defines breast cancer as a disease in which “abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.” Developing cancer in the breast is bad enough, but the real danger is in the cancer’s ability to spread from the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules in the breasts, to other parts of the body.

The earliest form of breast cancer, described as in situ, is not life-threatening. If detected early and treated effectively, it can be eliminated before it does any irreversible damage. The problem begins when cancer cells spread into nearby breast tissues. From there, they can metastasize, invading the surrounding lymph nodes and other organs. Once this happens, it becomes more difficult to treat the cancer, and it can quickly grow out of control and become life-threatening. 

Factors that Increase the Risks For Breast Cancer

The next step is to know what causes breast cancer – and therefore, how to prevent it. The causes of breast cancer, like that of most cancers, are not easy to define precisely. We cannot say for sure what causes breast cancer, but it is possible to identify certain trends among those affected and list some key risks that women can avoid in order to prevent breast cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society states that breast cancer is more common in high-income, developed countries such as Canada, the United States and European countries. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Women between the ages of 50 and 69 are at highest risk of developing breast cancer. Among the key risk factors that women should keep in mind are:

• Personal history of breast cancer: if you have had breast cancer before, you have a higher risk of developing it a second time.  
• Family history of breast cancer and other cancers: If there is a history of cancer in your family, you stand a higher chance of developing cancer yourself. If your mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt or niece has had breast cancer, you are potentially at risk.
• BRCA gene mutations: The BRCA genes (there are two variants) are normally found in the body, and their main purpose is to control the growth of cancer cells. In some bloodlines, these genes have mutated, reducing their ability to control the growth of cancer cells. These mutations are rare. The only way to know if you have them is to take genetic tests.

Other risk factors include:

• Dense breast tissue
• Certain genetic conditions, such as Cowden syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Early menarche
• Late menopause
• Late pregnancy (after the age of 30) or no pregnancies
• Exposure to radiation
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Use of Oral contraceptives
• Atypical hyperplasia
• Alcohol 
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity

Mammogram Screening For Breast Cancer

It isn’t easy to keep track of all the common risk factors. It is possible to have none of them and still develop breast cancer. On the other hand, you may have several of the risk factors in your genetic make-up and lifestyle and never develop breast cancer. The best way to prevent or combat breast cancer is through regular screening. Screening involves visiting a medical health professional to check if you are showing any early signs of breast cancer. In this way, the disease can be detected and treated early. Whether or not a woman thinks she may be at risk of breast cancer, it is still advisable for her to undergo screening after the age of 40. A biannual mammogram is currently the best method. Women who have some of the risk factors mentioned above – especially those connected with their family medical history – may want to start screening even earlier. 

The Ontario Breast Screening Program

Provincial screening programs, such as the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), use mammography to screen for breast cancer. Mammography is a procedure that involves x-raying the breasts to look for any irregularities in the tissues. WELL Health Diagnostic Centres are active participants in the OBSP, and we offer mammography services at several of our centres throughout the province.

To undergo screening at Well Health Diagnostic Centres, you will need a referral from your medical practitioner, except if you are between the ages of 40 and 74 (previously ages 50-74). If you fall within this age range, you can self-refer for breast screenings as of Oct. 8th.

Contact your nearest WELL Health Diagnostic Centre for more information or to make an appointment.