Four Steps To Breast Health
LINKPINK 2010
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region’s 2010 LINKPINK event, Co-Presented by The Canada Safeway Foundation and the Edmonton Journal, featuring seven-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, takes place August 25 and 26th in Edmonton. For event details, visit LINKPINK`s official site.
Be part of the journey on the road to a future without breast cancer. Below is some valuable information about prevention, and maintaining breast health.
1) Reduce Your Risk
When it comes to preventing breast cancer there is no magic solution and no guarantee. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. It is never too early, nor too late, to begin, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body weight throughout your lifetime are key
• Eat a Balanced Diet
Open your mind and your mouth to whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Eat more fish and less red meat. Make sure you are eating the right fats. Make wise choices at every meal, striking a healthy balance of items from all food groups and avoiding foods high in fat and sugar.
• Get Active and Stay That Way
Studies show that even moderate physical activity may decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. Go for a brisk walk or run. Play tennis. Chase your grandkids. Take the stairs. Park a block away. Do whatever you enjoy doing, or do it anyway. Just be sure to do it for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.
• Watch What You Drink
The more alcohol you consume, the greater your risk. To be safe, it is recommended that you limit your intake to one drink, or less, per day.
• Do Not Start Smoking
If you do smoke, quit.
2) Know About Breast Cancer
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women.
• In 2010, an estimated 23,200 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. On average, about 445 women will be diagnosed every week.
• In 2010, an estimated 5,300 women and 50 men will die from breast cancer in Canada. On average, about 100 women will die every week.
• Men can get breast cancer too, though they account for less than 1% of all cases.
• Since 1999, the incidence of breast cancer has stabilized.
• Since the mid-1980’s, breast cancer mortality rates have declined mainly due to advances in treatment and increased participation in organized breast cancer screening programs.
Source: Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2010
3) Be Breast Aware
• Know how your breasts look and feel
By knowing, you will notice any changes much earlier. The best defense against breast cancer is early detection.
• Check for changes
Check for changes in all areas of your breasts and in your armpit area. Some things to look for: Skin changes, redness, lumps, dimpling or thickening of skin, nipple changes and discharge, changes in size or shape, unusual pain or swelling.
• Look and feel for changes
There is no right or wrong way; do what works for you. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor right away. While most changes do not mean cancer, they do need to be checked.
4) Early Detection Saves Lives
Have a clinical breast examination by a trained health care professional.
This is a complete physical examination of your breasts which looks for lumps, irritation, a rash, dimpling and other signs.
Go for a free mammogram through your provincial breast cancer screening program, if eligible.
Screening guidelines vary slightly by province, but all programs include women ages 50-69 at a minimum. To find out how to contact your local screening program, visit www.cbcf.org
If you are not eligible for the screening program (under age of eligibility, have breast implants, have been diagnosed with breast cancer), talk to your doctor.
For More Information Visit
www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt
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