An estimated 12,000 women in Ontario will get breast cancer this year and one in eight will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the most common type of cancer for women in Ontario. But it also has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers with early detection.

“It’s never an experience anyone wants to go through,” says Beth Leclair, who has been receiving breast cancer treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre since 2017. “You always hear about other people being diagnosed, but never think it could be you.”

In Ontario, 83 per cent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is nearly 100 per cent, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Getting regular mammograms, beginning at age 50, can increase the odds of finding cancer when it is easier to treat.

“The two most important factors when it comes to cancer is prevention and early detection,” says Dr. Anthony Bonifacio, Radiologist and Breast Imaging Lead at Niagara Health. “Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to be screened for breast cancer every two years with mammography. If there’s a problem, it will be detected very early and treated appropriately.”

As for the prevention of cancer, Dr. Bonifacio says lifestyle choices play an important role.

“There is plenty of literature that demonstrates the association between increased cancer risk and alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables,” he says.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Niagara Health is urging any woman, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary person eligible for breast screening to schedule an appointment.

While some women may be hesitant or fearful about getting regular breast screenings, Leclair encourages more women to prioritize their breast health.

“It is important to stay vigilant about checking your own body,” she says. “Symptoms are not always obvious to detect; it could be a change in your skin, headaches, or achy pains.”

For anyone feeling a little anxious about being tested for breast cancer, Medical Oncologist Dr. Jennifer Bisson offers a few ways to put your mind at ease before an appointment:

• Choose the timing. If you can, schedule your mammogram away from your period so your breasts will be less tender.
• Cut the caffeine. Consuming caffeine in the week leading up to a mammogram can increase the risk of tender breasts and a painful mammogram.
• Dress for the occasion. Patients will be required to remove their top and bra during a mammogram. Dr. Bisson suggests wearing a two-piece outfit, rather than a dress, for example, so only the top needs to be removed.
• Keep body products to a minimum. Avoid applying deodorant, lotion or perfume on the chest or breast areas on the day of your appointment because that can affect the quality of the imaging.
• Use pain relief. Most people don’t feel any pain or discomfort following a mammogram; however, Dr. Bisson notes there are no issues with taking a mild anti-inflammatory, such as Advil, before or after a mammogram to help with pain relief. Hot and cool compresses can also be used.

Who Should Get Screened:

If you are age 50 to 74, the Ontario Breast Screening Program recommends that most people in your age group get screened every two years with mammography. You do not need a doctor’s referral.

If you are age 30 to 69 and meet the eligibility criteria for the High-Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program, the program recommends that you get screened every year with both mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or screening breast ultrasound if MRI is not medically appropriate.

Niagara Health has three full-service Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) Centres and Assessment Clinics at its hospital sites in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland. To learn more about breast screening at Niagara Health and to schedule an appointment, visit niagarahealth.on.ca/site/breast-screening.

In addition, the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Care Program also provides mobile cancer screening services in St, Catharines, Fort Erie and Port Colborne. Residents can book an appointment for the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach by calling 905-975-4467 or 1-855-338-3131.

OBSP Centres and Assessment Clinics at Niagara Health sites:

Niagara Falls OBSP Centre

905-358-4952

St. Catharines OBSP Centre

905-378-4647 Ext 46345

Welland OBSP Centre

905-732-5434