OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 8, 2009 · 2 Sincere hanks Si cere th k Sincere thanks to all our ad i advertisers fo f for supporting Breast Cancer research Awareness and early detection are key in the battle against this deadly disease October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the scope of this formidable disease, educate women about prevention, and work toward finding a cure for finding a cure. Here are just a few of the frightening numbers associated with the disease*: · In 2009, an estimated 22,700 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. On average, 437 women will be diagnosed every week. · In 2009, an estimated 180 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men with breast cancer make up a little less than 1% of all cases. · In 2009, an estimated 5,400 women and 50 men will die from breast cancer in Canada. · One in nine (11%) Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime (this means by age 90). ENCOURAGING NEWS · Only one in every 28 Canadian women will die from breast cancer. This means that about two-thirds of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada will live through it. · Since 1999, the incidence of breast cancer in Canada has stabilized. · Since 1986, the breast cancer death rate has fallen by more than 30% and is currently the lowest it has been since 1950. · In women aged 20-39, breast cancer incidence and death rates have declined since 1969. ·At present, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is 87%, which means that women diagnosed with breast cancer have an 87% likelihood of living for 5 years after their diagnosis. · The significant improvement in survival rates for women with breast cancer since the mid-1980s is likely a result of improvements in screening and advances in treatment. At present, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is 87%, which means that women diagnosed with breast cancer have an 87% likelihood of living for 5 years after their diagnosis. BE BREAST AWARE The breasts are constantly changing through life. Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. That way, if there are any significant changes, you'll be more likely to notice them early. A change in the breasts is not necessarily a sign of breast cancer. Some changes to the breasts are normal. Other changes can be caused by a benign, or noncancerous, condition. If a change does turn out to be cancer, being breast aware may help you detect it early. It is possible for breast cancer to develop without any changes that can be easily noticed through breast awareness. In addition to breast awareness, there are other methods to help with early detection. Breast cancer is often thought of as a concern for older women. However, young women can also get breast cancer. Breast awareness is important at any age. There are five steps to becoming breast aware. 1. Know how your breasts normally look and feel. 2. Know what changes to look for. 3. Look and feel for changes. 4. Report any changes to a doctor. 5. Go for a free mammogram ifyou are of the appropriate age, or if recommended by a doctor. By finding breast abnormalities in the early stages, mammograms can save lives. Women at the appropriate age can get a free mammogram through their regional breast screening program. RISK AND RISK REDUCTION Currently, the precise causes of breast cancer are not known. Breast cancer is believed to be a result of interactions among inherited and environmental factors. Breast cancer researchers have not determined the exact causes of the disease, but the likelihood of developing breast cancer has been linked to a number of risk factors. A risk factor for breast cancer is anything that is seen more often in those who develop breast cancer than in those who do not. Although risk factors are associated with higher risk for breast cancer, they may not have been shown to directly cause the disease. It is important to know that having a risk factor does not mean you will necessarily develop breast cancer. You may have more than one risk factor and never develop the disease. However, some women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors other than being a woman. Another point to remember is that not all risk factors bear the same amount of risk. Some are linked to a large increase in the risk for breast cancer, while others are linked to a small increase. Risk factors are identified from many research studies and from large numbers of study participants. However, they cannot be regarded as rules or guarantees. What we know about breast cancer right now cannot accurately predict what will happen to you or any other individual. DIAGNOSIS A breast lump or another sign or symptom of breast cancer may be found by a screening mammogram or during a clinical breast examination by your doctor. You may also notice a change yourself through being breast aware. However, a change to the breast does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. More information is needed to properly diagnose the sign or symptom and to determine if it is breast cancer. The first method will most likely be an imaging technique, or a way to get a better picture of what is happening in the breast. If necessary, you may need to have a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab testing to see if it is cancer. It is important to diagnose the condition promptly. 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