Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Pink Ribbons & Pumpkins

October is a sobering time when the light of summer turns into the somber tones of fall. It is also breast cancer awareness month and pin ribbons that have become the symbol of breast cancer abound.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women. All of us know someone in our circle of acquaintances who has had breast cancer. It is most prevalent in women over the age of 50 but there has been a demographic shift, and younger women are now being diagnosed in larger numbers.

Early detection and treatment are key to increasing rates of survival. Mammography, though not perfect, remains our best tool to detect breast cancer. It is recommended to be screened every two years from the age of 40 to 74. Some forms of breast cancer are more likely to  occur if there is a family history of breast cancer. Not everyone with a family history needs early screening but your primary care practitioner might refer you to genetic counselling to determine if you are a candidate for early screening.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program and Cancer Care Ontario make screening easy to access. You may receive a letter in the mail if you are due for screening. You do not need a referral from a primary care practitioner to get screened. You can self refer to a facility that does mammograms to book yours.

In recent years, mammogram reports have started to report breast density as well. Having dense breasts does not increase your risk for cancer but makes it harder to see a cancer. More frequent screening may be needed if you have more dense breasts.

If you have questions about screening in your area, the Ontario Breast Screening Program has a toll free number open for questions. It is 1-800-668-9304.

So tie a pink ribbon on your jack-o’-lantern this October and get screened to detect and treat early!

 

Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!