October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to take a moment to thank our mammography technologists, including Aimee Bechthold, who is featured in this video. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to outstanding patient care!

Did you know, starting October 8th, women ages 40-74 can SELF-REFER for breast screenings? Early detection saves lives. Book your 15-minute, OHIP-covered screening today!

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Your First Mammogram: A Guide to Being Prepared

Preparing for your initial mammogram may bring about feelings of anxiety and lack of certainty. Knowledge about what is going to happen can assist in calming your mind and ensuring that everything goes more smoothly. At WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, we are available to support you throughout this crucial screening procedure. In this blog, we will discuss key aspects such as when to have your first mammogram, how the timing of your menstrual cycle can impact scheduling, what you could anticipate about the duration of your mammogram test and a comprehensive explanation of what happens during the procedure. Let us explore everything necessary for you to prepare for your initial mammogram.

When to Get Your First Mammogram?

For proactive breast health, it’s important to know when you should get your first mammogram. According to NPR.org, the standard suggestion is that women begin at age 40 and continue getting mammograms each year. However, this might differ depending on personal risk elements like a family record of breast cancer, genetic traits, or other health aspects. Always speak with your healthcare provider to confirm the right age for you.

Mammograms are usually suggested for women starting at age 50. However, if you have a greater chance of getting breast cancer due to factors like family history or gene mutations, the doctor may recommend starting this screening earlier. Moreover, if there is a specific health concern in your breasts found by clinical examination or other methods, it might be necessary to take a mammogram at an earlier time. For women aged between 40 and 49 years old who have an increased risk of breast cancer, yearly mammograms are suggested by the National Institute of Health. This is because the benefits of early detection may outweigh the potential harm from false positive results and additional follow-up tests.

For women with dense breast tissue that makes it harder to detect cancers on mammograms or other high-risk factors identified by their doctor, additional tests such as a breast ultrasound screening might be recommended along with regular mammograms. If you are having your first mammogram, and something is unclear in the image it produced (like a mass or calcification cluster), the radiologist will likely suggest taking more pictures using different angles or magnifications in that case. This is called a “diagnostic” mammogram and ultrasound. To find out more about an area seen on your routine screening test that could be cancerous, your doctor may order “diagnostic” imaging like ultrasound alongside another type of imaging such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or biopsy. It’s essential for all women who should do regular screenings to follow guidelines made especially for them considering their unique health situation – this includes when they start screenings and how often they continue doing them.

Scheduling a Mammogram During Menstruation

The comfort you feel during the mammogram can be affected by when you have it about your menstrual cycle. A woman’s breasts might become tender and sensitive before or during her period, so this is not a good time for a mammogram. It’s best to plan the test for a week after your menstruation period has finished when breast tenderness is usually less, advises John Hopkins Medicine.

When planning a mammogram, if you are having your menstruation, it is necessary to tell the technician so they can be careful to reduce any discomfort. In a similar way, if you are undergoing a breast ultrasound during menstruation, informing your healthcare provider about the cycle might assist in making adjustments for comfort during the procedure.

Knowing the Duration of Mammogram Test

Knowing how long a mammogram test lasts can help you organize your visit and set expectations. Typically, a regular mammogram procedure will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. This period includes the time needed by the technician to position you and capture X-ray pictures. For some seconds, each breast is squeezed tightly to capture the image, but this compression is quick and endurable.

If a mammogram shows irregularities, your appointment might need extra time for more imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. Especially if this is your first time taking this test, you should consider allocating some extra time in your schedule to account for any further steps that could be required.

The Mammogram Procedure and Process Steps

Understanding the mammogram process helps to take away confusion and lower stress. So, here is a step-by-step summary of what occurs during a mammogram:

Check-in and Getting Ready: When you arrive, you will be registered for your appointment and possibly instructed to put on a robe that unfastens in the front. It’s good to not use deodorants, creams, or powders on the day of your mammogram as these items might affect X-ray pictures.
Positioning: The radiologic technologist will position you in front of the mammogram machine. Each breast is placed on a flat surface and then softly compressed using a plastic plate. This compression helps spread out breast tissue for better visibility and is considered the most important part of the mammogram procedure.
Take Images: The technologist will take many pictures from various positions. You may be asked to stop breathing for a short time during each X-ray so that no movement occurs and the images come out as clear as possible.
Review and Results: Once the pictures are captured, a professional technologist will examine them to confirm clarity and completeness. In certain situations, they might need more pictures or tests, like breast ultrasound screening, for better evaluation.

Understanding these steps may make you feel more comfortable and ready for your initial mammogram. Keep in mind that this process is essential for finding any issues early on and ensuring good breast health.

At WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, your comfort and care are our primary concerns for the first mammogram in Ontario and all future screenings. We will respond to any queries you have and offer assistance during this procedure. Please contact us today if you want to book your initial mammogram or require more details about our services.

12 Signs of Breast Cancer Revealed – Understand Your Body

Familiarizing yourself with the signs of breast cancer can save your life!

By taking your health into your own hands and learning to recognize the potential indicators of breast cancer, you can help your future. It is time to prioritize your breast health! Uncover the crucial signs of breast cancer in this comprehensive guide.

The Importance of Breast Health Awareness

Breast health awareness will not prevent breast cancer. But it may help you to better understand the look and feel of your breasts, and this might make it more likely that you notice if something changes.

By routinely checking your breasts during a self-exam, at least once a month, you will be able to spot and feel any irregularities. These irregularities would appear as a breast lump, dimpling of breast tissue, or nipple changes. If there is a change not typical of your breasts, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Early detection is key, which is why being aware of signs of change in your breasts and routine self-examinations are so important. Finding the cancer earlier makes it much more likely that the cancer can be cured. While both men and women can develop breast cancer, it is far more common in women, making it the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females globally.

Fact: According to Medical News Today, a whopping 99% of people who detected breast cancer in its early, localized stages are still alive five years after their diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Cancer can affect your breasts in different ways. Some breast cancer symptoms are very noticeable, while others may not be. Women with dense breast tissue often struggle to feel small lumps. The breast skin color of people with light skin may look pink or red. For people with dark skin, it may look darker than the other skin on the chest, or red or purple.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

1. Changes in Breast Size or Shape

Caused by growth or inflammation, the breast will feel enlarged or not in its usual shape.

2. Skin Changes

Dimpling, puckering, or indentation (also known as “orange peel skin”) of the skin on your breast.

3. Nipple Discharge

Unusual or bloody fluid is discharging from your nipples – excluding breast milk.

4. Nipple Changes

Recently developed inversion (your nipple points inwards), retraction (your nipple lies flat), or abnormal nipple appearance.

5. Redness, Swelling, or Warmth in the Breast

This is an indication of inflammation.

6. Breast Pain or Persistent Tenderness

If this does not occur during menstruation.

7. Changes in Breast Skin Texture

Flaking, peeling, or thickening of your breast skin.

8. Thickened Areas or Ridges in Breast Skin

Skin feels rough and has ridges in some parts.

9. Skin Changes Around the Areola

New puckering or dimpling of the dark circle around your nipple,

10. Lump in the Armpit Area

It will feel like a small stone under your arm.

11. Swollen Lymph Nodes

In lymph nodes other than under your arm, for example, at your collar bone or lower neck.

12. Lump or Thickening in the Breast Tissue

Feels like a hard, dense part of the breast tissue. It differs from the feel of the other parts of the breast tissue.

Fact: The Mayo Clinic points out that 80-85% of lumps found in breasts are benign. That said, visiting your local medical centre to check is a smart move.

Empowering Self-Awareness and Action

Knowledge is power. Everyone’s breasts are different, and it is important to spot irregularities on your own. Get to know what is normal for you – your breasts may look or feel different at different stages of your life. This type of awareness will make it easier to notice potential problems and more confident in acting if worrisome changes in the breast do occur. By having open and honest conversations about the common signs of breast cancer and how to do self-examinations, women and men can empower themselves. Increasing the chances of early detection. Right now, more people are being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — meaning they’re diagnosed when it’s easier to treat — and fewer people are dying of breast cancer.

Fact: The power is in your hands – literally!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aka “Pink October,” raises awareness for breast cancer. But you don’t have to wait for people around the world to wear pink and/or display pink ribbons to take control of the health of your breasts. For more information about the signs of breast cancer or to book a breast screening, contact WELL Health Diagnostic Centres today.

Sources: www.imana.org, www.cdc.gov.org, www.medicalnewstoday.com

Breast Health: Common Concerns and Expert Advice

Good breast health begins with good breast awareness — it’s about knowing your body and what’s typical for you. Being familiar with how your breasts usually feel makes it easier to detect when there’s a change in texture or a new lump has formed. It is important to learn the essentials of maintaining optimal breast health while also being able to detect and prevent breast cancer, and this is where the role of a Breast Health Centre comes in.

Aging and Breast Health: Understanding Changes

As with anything, age changes things. Aging has a direct relation to health, including breast health. This is due to changes in your hormone levels, which happen during the natural process of aging. As a result of these changes, your breasts begin to lose their firmness and fullness. Also, with age comes an increased risk of developing growths in the breasts, such as fibroids, cysts, and cancerous growths according to Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Common breast health changes that occur due to age include:

stretch marks
downward pointing nipples
an elongated, stretched, or flattened appearance
wider space between the breasts
lumpiness, which may be due to benign fibrocystic changes in the breast or serious lesions like breast cancer.

Nutrition and Breast Health: Foods for Wellness

A nutritional, healthy diet can go a long way. Mayo Clinic notes that by increasing the following items in your diet, you can help maintain breast health while reducing your risk of breast cancer:

Dark leafy greens. kale, spinach, and collard greens
Berries
Citrus fruits
Fermented foods
Fatty fish
Beans
Spices and herbs
Walnuts

All of the items listed above contain important healthy fats, such as omegas, vitamins, and minerals, that your body needs to stay healthy. Breast health is also directly linked to maintaining a healthy weight through exercising. By limiting your alcohol, fast foods, processed meats, and refined sugars, you can greatly reduce your risk of breast cancer. And as we all know, smoking kills. Fact: Women who smoke and have been smoking for 10 years or more have approx. a 10% higher risk of breast cancer than non-smoking women.

Breast Health Screening and Check-ups: What You Need to Know

Over time, you’ll discover how your breasts change in sensitivity and texture at different times in your life. Depending on your menstrual cycle, age, and other factors (such as weight).

Concerns about breast lumps, breast pain, or nipple discharge are common. From the age of 50, you should go for mammography screening once a year. When you have questions or concerns, don’t wait, talk to your medical doctor immediately. Based on a clinical exam, your doctor will tell you about other imaging tests that you might need. It should be noted that dense breast tissue may require additional screening exams. If you have a known family history of breast cancer or high-risk breast lesions, you may need additional testing.

It’s important to understand the screening tests you may need for early detection of breast cancer. They include:

Clinical (palpation) breast exams
Mammograms
Breast ultrasounds
Breast MRI

Role of Breast Health Clinic: Wellness and Care

A breast clinic is where medical specialists can examine your breasts in the case of breast health changes or a mass is detected. Breast clinics play a vital role in patient care, as they are not only breast health centres for imaging procedures but also multidisciplinary centres. It is a patient-orientated centre with many medical professionals who work directly with communities to teach people about breast checks and self-examinations, imaging procedures, and the navigation of treatment and support systems.

Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Misconceptions About Women’s Breast Health

Breast cancer is one of the better-known and more talked-about cancers, but there are still so many misconceptions out there. Unless people experience breast cancer in their own lives or are close to someone who does, they might not be able to separate myth from fact when it comes to this disease.

Below are a few breast health myths and truths:

Myth: People think of breast cancer as an inherited disease.
Truth: only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary.
Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer.
Truth: Breast pain can result from anything from an unsupportive bra to hormones, an injury, or even water retention.
Myth: Breast cancer is contagious.
Truth: Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast.

By addressing incorrect myths and misconceptions surrounding breast health, you will appreciate the purpose of breast health. Which is finding breast problems early, giving you the best chance of successful treatment. Routine breast care can also help find other noncancerous or benign conditions, too. For more information about breast health or to find out more information about a Breast Health Centre near you, contact WELL Health Diagnostic Centres today.

Sources: www.mayoclinic.org, www.nidirect.gov.uk, www.stonybrookmedicine.edu

Mammography Screening: Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection

Mammography screening, also known as a mammogram, is an X-ray of the breast. It flattens the breast between two imaging plates and uses low-dose X-rays to see the breast tissue. Although this might sound scary, mammography screening is the best way to detect early-stage breast cancers. Early-stage cancers are more positive because they are easier to treat. In the early stages, the mass is not big enough to cause symptoms or spread to other parts of the body. The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a screening program that encourages women in Ontario to get screened for breast cancer, and has locations all over Canada.

Mammography Screening: The Gold Standard in Breast Cancer Detection

Mammography screening detects and visualizes a lesion in the breast tissue. The procedure allows the detection of breast cancers, benign tumours, and cysts before they can be felt (such as during a self–examination), making it the gold standard in breast cancer detection.

OBSP’s multiple locations ensure that mammography screening is accessible to many women from all over Canada. According to the CDC, the average mammography starting test age for women who are low-risk is 50 years old. High-risk patients with a history of cancer in their family are advised to start going for mammograms at the age of 40. Most cases are found in people ages 50 and over. As unappealing as the procedure is, annual clinical breast exams at a breast health clinic detect lumps in their early stages. It is a procedure that should be done every year to double-check and verify lumps found during self-examinations, or as a routine precaution. In Ontario, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancer types because of the high early detection rate.

Beyond Mammograms: Exploring Other Screening Tools

Mammography screening is not able to prove whether a suspicious mass is cancerous or not, but it will raise the question of possible breast cancer and indicate the use of other screening tools. These tools are used to confirm diagnosis and size. A diagnostic mammogram is a more detailed X-ray of the breast and is used to diagnose an unusual breast mass. If a suspicious mass is detected during either of these procedures, the tissue will be sampled for a biopsy using a needle and guided by ultrasound imaging. The tissue is removed and tested to determine if it is malignant. High-risk patients can have cysts or benign lesions shown on their mammograms for many years before one shows up as malignant, which is why yearly screenings are so important. Any changes, like the development of a lump, swelling, skin irritation/dimpling, or nipple discharge, warrant a trip to the doctor.

Another screening tool used for the detection of breast cancer, which is less painful in comparison to a mammography screening, is a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A breast MRI uses contrast that is injected into the patient before the procedure. The contrast helps to highlight abnormalities and makes the tissue easier to see. MRI, used with mammography and breast ultrasound, can be a very helpful diagnostic tool.

Advancements in Diagnostic Technologies

According to radiologyinfo.org, diagnostic technology is becoming more and more advanced each day, providing better image quality and assisting in mammography screening. Suspicious masses can be imaged and confirmed using other modalities, such as diagnostic mammography with contrast or MRI. Breast MRI’s are less invasive, and there is no breast pain after the procedure, unlike the breast pain experienced after a mammography screening.

Precision and Accuracy in Breast Cancer Detection

If a screening mammogram finds something concerning, a more detailed diagnostic mammogram will be done. It’s often used to look closely at both breasts to compare for any irregularities. Precision and accuracy in breast cancer detection is extremely important, as many women will have a history of cysts or benign lesions that are flagged. These flagged masses will need to be monitored and biopsied often to ensure that they do not grow into malignant breast cancers.

Comprehensive Mammography Screening Approaches

Women who are considered at high risk of breast cancer (family history, genetic gene, past breast cancer) should speak with their doctors about the benefits of starting mammography screening earlier, as well as having additional tests (diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI). By taking the first step and booking your mammography screening at any of the OBSP locations, you can ensure that you are experiencing the gold standard of breast cancer detection in Canada and increase your chances of breast cancer survival.

Sources: www.cdc.gov, www.radiologyinfo.org, www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Your Essential Guide for Breast Cancer Screening in Ontario

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis of female cancer, affecting 1 in 8 Canadian women. More than 80% of breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50, and most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

In this article, we will explore the many facets of breast cancer, the importance of regular breast health examinations, and the reasons why mammography is still the gold standard for detecting breast cancer.

Understanding Breast Cancer and Its Prevalence

Breast cancer claims many lives every day all around the world. It is the most frequent cancer among women in Ontario, which raises serious concerns about public health. According to estimates from the Canadian Cancer Society, there will be over 29,700 new instances of breast cancer in Canada in 2021 alone, with a large share of those cases occurring in Ontario.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a comprehensive screening program that the province of Ontario devised in response to the rising incidence of breast cancer. The goal of this program is to identify breast cancer early on when there are more effective treatment choices.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Self-examination is the first stage in a multi-part process called breast cancer screening. Self-examination is an essential initial step in spotting abnormalities, but for a more thorough screening, it’s imperative to follow up with medical professionals.

Regular mammograms play a critical role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Early cancer detection can significantly increase treatment options and survival rates, lessening the overall toll that the disease takes on patients and their families.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) advises women between 50 and 74 to have routine mammograms. The gold standard for detecting breast cancer is mammography, which is an X-ray of the breast that can find cancers before a physical examination can feel them. It is a minimally invasive process that is essential to early detection.

Mammography: The Gold Standard

The cornerstone of early identification and screening for breast cancer is mammography. It uses X-rays at low doses to take pictures of the breast tissue. Breast imaging specialists and radiologists examine these pictures, known as mammograms. Anomalies such as tumours, cysts, or calcifications that are visible on mammograms may be signs of breast cancer.

Advantages of Mammography

Early Detection: Breast cancer can be found with mammograms even in its early stages, frequently before any symptoms appear. The effectiveness of the treatment outcomes depends on this early detection.
High Accuracy: Mammography is a very accurate way to find abnormalities in the breast. It can distinguish between benign and malignant alterations, which lessens the need for needless worry and medical procedures.
Screening Interval: The Ontario Breast Screening Program advises women between 50 and 74 to get mammograms every two years. Early detection is more likely when screenings are conducted regularly at the suggested intervals.
Non-Invasive: Mammography is a non-invasive process involving no incisions or surgery. The process is safe and not too painful.

Beyond Mammograms: Additional Diagnostic Techniques

Although mammography is the primary method for breast cancer screening, other diagnostic methods may be used in certain situations or when more investigation is required, as recommended by the radiologist.

1. Ultrasound of the Breast

Mammography is frequently supplemented with breast ultrasound. It creates pictures of the breast tissue by using high-frequency sound waves. By helping to distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, ultrasound can reveal essential details regarding the nature of a breast anomaly. Breast ultrasound is frequently performed when a lump or mass is found during a mammogram or physical examination. Since younger women’s breast tissue may be denser and less amenable to mammography, it is beneficial for evaluating breast abnormalities in these women. Many times, mammography and breast ultrasound will be scheduled at the same time to give the radiologists more opportunity to properly investigate the breast tissue.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast

A susceptible imaging method that can reveal specific information about breast tissue is breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It’s frequently utilized in particular circumstances, such as when there’s a significant risk of breast cancer because of genetics or family history.

For women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, have a strong family history of the condition, or have a known genetic mutation (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2), a breast MRI is usually advised. When an ultrasound or mammography result is unclear, it can also be used for additional assessment.

3. Biopsy

A common method for diagnosing breast cancer is a biopsy. A small sample of breast tissue is taken for analysis in a lab. Biopsies can determine whether an anomaly in the breast is malignant and, if they are, can offer vital details regarding the kind and stage of the disease.

Types of Biopsies Include: Core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, and surgical biopsy are the three techniques used to do breast biopsies. The anomaly’s particulars and features determine which biopsy technique is best.

4. Genetic Examination

Genetic testing could be advised for people with known genetic mutations or a strong family history of breast cancer. Specific genetic mutations, such as those in BRCA1 and BRCA2 that raise the risk of breast cancer can be found with these tests. Understanding one’s genetic risk can help with screening and preventative tactics.

To fully understand the consequences of the test results and make educated healthcare decisions, people frequently obtain genetic counselling before having genetic testing.

Breast Cancer Early Signs and Symptoms: What To Watch For

Regular screening for breast cancer is essential, but it’s also critical that women know about any possible early warning signs and symptoms. Treatment outcomes can be significantly impacted by early detection of breast cancer before it is felt or seen on imaging. The following are symptoms and indicators that women should be aware of:

1. Breast Dimpling or Swelling

A lump or thickening of the breast tissue is the most typical early indication of breast cancer. Even though not all breast lumps are malignant, a healthcare professional should examine any new or atypical lump.

2 Noticeable changes to Breast Size and Shape

Investigations should be conducted if one breast noticeably differs in size or shape.

3. Alterations to the Nipple

Evaluation is necessary for any changes to the nipple, including inversion, retraction, and discharge (other than breast milk).

4. Skin Alterations

Any changes to the skin on the breast, such as redness, puckering, or dimpling, should be checked by a medical professional.

5. Edema Around the Collarbone or Underarm

Bellies or enlargements under the arms or around the collarbone could indicate that breast cancer has progressed to neighbouring lymph nodes.

Common Concerns About Breast Cancer Screening

Although screening for breast cancer is an essential part of women’s health, there are some uncertainties and worries. Here are some typical concerns that women can have regarding screening for breast cancer:

1. Pain During the Mammography Process

Women frequently worry about pain or discomfort during a mammogram. Some, not all, patients experience brief discomfort from the breast compression, however mammography is usually a quick procedure that takes only a few minutes.

2. Exposure to Radiation

A small radiation dose is used during mammography to take pictures of the breast. Radiation exposure worries are legitimate, yet the dose used in mammography is incredibly low and regarded as safe. The advantages of early breast cancer detection significantly outweigh the small radiation risk.

3. False Positive and Negative Results

Like any medical exam, mammograms are not flawless. False-positive results, which suggest a possible abnormality that turns out to be benign, might result from them. Additionally, they may yield false-negative results, omitting certain malignancies. For this reason, routine screening and follow-up are crucial.

4. Density of Breasts

Breast density can have an impact on mammography accuracy. False-negative results may be more common in women with thick breast tissue. Further imaging tests, such as MRIs or breast ultrasounds, could be suggested in certain situations.

Process for Breast Cancer Screening

Women need to comprehend the breast cancer screening procedure to feel at ease and knowledgeable when undertaking these crucial examinations. In this section, we will review each breast cancer screening procedure phase with you, stressing its significance at each turn.

1. Self-Examination

The first step in breast cancer screening is self-examination. Regular breast self-examinations are advised for women, usually once a month. In self-examination, one feels the breast tissue for any lumps or irregularities. Although self-examinations cannot replace clinical screening, they enable women to get to know their breast tissue and recognize any changes immediately.

2. Examining the Breast Clinically

A clinical breast examination by a medical professional is the next stage in breast cancer screening. Your healthcare professional will gently feel your breasts and underarms to check for lumps or abnormalities during this examination. Women 40 years of age and older are generally advised to have annual clinical breast exams.

3. Breast Imaging

The mainstay of breast cancer screening is mammography. A mammogram is typically the next course of action if neither the clinical examination nor self-examination reveals abnormalities. The breast is crushed between two plates during mammography to produce X-ray images. Based on their experience in breast imaging, radiologists carefully analyze these images. Under the Ontario Breast Screening Program, mammograms are advised every two years for women aged 50 to 74 (OBSP).

4. Further Imaging (if Required)

Further imaging may be advised if a woman has thick breast tissue or if mammography finds an abnormality. This can involve breast MRIs or ultrasounds. These imaging modalities help distinguish between benign and malignant alterations in the breast tissue and offer more precise information about them, especially when reviewed with the mammogram images.

5. Biopsy (if Required)

A biopsy could be advised if an anomaly is discovered during any screening process. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of breast tissue for examination in a lab. This is the only method that can conclusively detect the kind, stage, and likelihood of malignant tissue.

6. Testing for genetics (if indicated)

Genetic testing might be advised in specific circumstances, mainly if there is a significant family history of breast cancer or if there are known congenital abnormalities in the family. Individuals can make educated decisions about their healthcare by using genetic testing to discover particular mutations that raise the risk of breast cancer.

To identify breast cancer in its early and most curable stages, a comprehensive method known as breast cancer screening includes imaging tools, clinical evaluation, and self-examination. Women must participate actively in this process by self-examining, attending clinician visits, and using the suggested screening protocols. Women can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery by prioritizing their breast health and helping with early identification by following these simple measures. Recall that screening for breast cancer is a cooperative endeavour, including individuals and healthcare providers, aimed at safeguarding the health of women throughout Ontario.

Contact My Health Centre for more information about breast cancer screening in Ontario today.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022

Did you know breast cancer is the most common diagnosis of female cancer, aﬀecting 1 in 8 Canadian women? More than 80% of breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50, and most women who are diagnosed have no family history of the disease.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to book a 20 minute, OHIP-covered breast screening at our nearest location – no referral required for women ages 50-74 as per OBSP Guidelines.

Early detection saves lives, so please forward this message to your friends and relatives, and book your appointment today at MyHealthCentre.ca/Breast-Screening

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – 2021