Breast Cancer Screening
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a tumour that starts from cells in the breast and can spread to other areas of the body.
Normally, the cells in your breasts grow and reproduce themselves in a controlled manner. Breast cancer occurs when the cells grow abnormally, or in an ‘out-of-control’ way. In time, the abnormal cells can form lumps or tumours.
Breast cancer can happen at any age. In most cases, it occurs in women over the age of 50.
In Ontario today, women who are at average risk for breast cancer and are 50 - 74 years of age should have a mammogram every two years. Find out where you can go to get screened.
Women with a family or medical history or genetic factors are at high risk of developing the disease. Find out about when you should get screened for breast cancer by answering the Time To Screen Tool questions.
What symptoms should all women look for?
You should know how your breasts normally look and feel. Pay attention to changes, such as:
- A lump or dimpling
- Changes in your nipple or fluid leaking from the nipple
- Skin changes or redness that does not go away
- Any other changes in your breasts
If you notice any changes, see your health care provider. Most changes are not cancerous but you should have them checked right away.
What can you do to help reduce your risk of breast cancer?
- Maintain a healthy body weight, especially after menopause.
- Be physically active.
- Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink per day, if any.
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
- Limit your time on hormone replacement therapy.
- Discuss any changes with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
- Most importantly, get screened. Women who are age 50 or over who are at average risk should get a regular mammogram, generally every two years.
Find out more about breast cancer screening.
For More Information
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