What
You Need To Know
Breast Health
Breast health starts with
you knowing your own breasts, that way you are more
likely to recognize changes. Most breast problems can be
treated if discovered early. It is one of the areas in
your life where you can take control.
What
should I do to care for my breasts?
Have your
breasts checked regularly through:
• mammography (pronounced mam-og-ra-fee)
• breast examination by a health professional
• breast self-examination (BSE)
Mammography
Mammography
is a type of x-ray. These x-rays help your doctor find
lumps inside your breasts that are too small to feel.
Mammography also gives you and your doctor information
about changes in your breasts that you find during BSE or
during a breast examination by a health professional. All
women between 50-69 years should have a mammogram every
two years.
Physical
Examination
Regardless of
age, have your doctor or a trained nurse examine your
breasts at least every other year. Regular examinations
by trained health professionals can find early breast
cancers including those that may not be found by
mammography.
Breast
Self-Examination
Doing BSE
regularly helps you learn what is normal for your
breasts, and then you will be able to notice any changes.
The need to do BSE becomes more important with age,
especially after age 40. It should be done each month at
the same time, even after menopause.
What
to Look For
After you
have practiced BSE a few times, you will learn what is
normal for your breasts. Change can signal a problem.
Look very carefully at your breasts in a mirror. If you
notice any of these warning signals listed below, see
your doctor right away:
• Puckering
(dimpling) of the skin on your breasts or around your
nipples
• The appearance of
what is sometimes called "orange peel skin"
(patches that may be discoloured or normal in colour, but
where the pores stand out)
• Any place in your
breasts that feels lumpy like a pea, or that is thicker
or harder than the rest bleeding from the nipples or
crusting
Are
Come Women More Likely To Get Breast Cancer?
Yes.
About 50% of all Canadian women are said to be
"at higher risk" of developing the
disease, but that doesn't mean that they will get
it. It means they should be extra careful about
their breast health. Women who fall into one or more of
the following categories are at higher risk-
• Are over
age 50
• Have already had cancer in one breast
• Have a family history of breast cancer
(especially a mother or sister)
• Have never had a child or who were 30 or
more years old when their first child was born
• Began their periods before age 12 or who
started menopause after age 50
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Are All Breast Lumps Cancer?
No. Most are
not cancer. But the only way to know for sure that a lump
or any other change in your breast is not cancer is to
have your doctor check it.
Want
To Learn More?
A good place to start is with your doctor or
PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist who can give you information.
Many hospitals and community health agencies also have
nurses especially trained to teach breast health. All
provinces have specialized breast-screening centres. Or
for more information, contact your local Canadian Cancer
Society (C.C.S) office or the C.C.S.'s toll-free Cancer
Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.You can also visit
the C.C.S website at www.cancer.ca
 The information in this publication is presented as an educational
service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical
advice from your physician.
Your PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or
concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or
e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca
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