Facts About Breast Cancer

Risk Factors

      Most breast cancers occur in women who carry no risk factors, other than just being a woman. A number of issues, however, have been identified as leading issues for higher risk, including:

- advanced age (over 55)

- previous occurrence of breast cancer

- high density of breast tissue

- family history of breast cancer

- previous breast biopsy with severely abnormal cells

- no children, or over age 30 at birth of first child

- postmenopausal obesity

- high fat diet

- early menstruation (before age 12)

- late menopause (after age 54)

Statistics

- Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canadian women between the ages of 35 and 54. 

- One in nine women in BC will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

- More  than 20,000 women in BC are living with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer, approximately 630 die from the disease each year.

- For the first time, BC is seeing a slight decline in mortality rates for breast cancer.

- The five-year survival rate after treatment for localized breast cancer is 93%.

- Although BC has the highest survival rate in Canada, BC also has the highest incidence of breast cancer.

- BC's Screening Mammography Program is the largest in North America and one of the best in  the world.

- Yearly mammograms for  women in their forties and up can aid in early detection and treatment.

- While the cause of breast cancer is unknown, we do know one fact: early detection can increase your chances of survival.

- Breast cancer usually produces no symptoms, by the time you feel unwell, the cancer is in a critical stage. 

Early Detection is the Key to Survival

    Take responsibility of your own beast health by taking your life into your own hands. Early detection of cancerous breast lumps will dramatically increase your chances for full recovery. Remember, the only thing worse than finding a lump in your breast is not finding it at all.

- Have your doctor check any suspicious lumps or signs.

- Learn and practice monthly breast self-examination. 

- Schedule an annual examination with your doctor.

- Starting at age 40,  have an annual mammogram.

- Educate yourself.

The Fraser Valley Branch of the CBCF provides BSE instructors, educational tools and information literature to raise awareness about breast cancer.

I am a BSE instructor. To contact me for a session CLICK HERE.