Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Canada and the U.S. I personally know of 4 women, all in their 40s when first diagnosed, whom have had and thankfully survived, breast cancer - that's 4 too many in my opinion. Sadly, 1 in 9 (1 in 8 in America) is expected to be diagnosed with this disease during her lifetime and scarier, 70% of those diagnosed will have had no risk factors. While the causes for breast cancer are largely unknown, seems that early detection has contributed to lower death rates since the mid 1990's in North America.
Stats source: Canadian Cancer Society / National Cancer Institute of Canada; U.S. Breast Cancer.Org
At my last doctor's visit, I decided that I wanted to have a more thorough breast exam as part of my screening and so today, I had my first mammography exam at the Credit Valley Hospital X-Ray and Ultrasound Clinic in Mississauga. The exam itself wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought it would be and the staff were pleasant, professional and thoughtful. Results will arrive at my doctor's office in about a week's time where I expect to get the "all clear!"
Routine breast screening and early detection are key in fighting and surviving this disease. Regular self-examinations (see chart, inset, or go to Breast Cancer Society of Canada for printer-friendly version), clinical exams by your practitioner, and mammograms all help in reducing the number of women who die of breast cancer. In the province of Ontario, mammograms are recommended every 2 years for women over 50. However if you are between 40 and 49, you can speak to your doctor about early screening.
15 down; 85 to go
After a sizzling hot summer-like long weekend, perhaps now more than ever - with the thinning ozone and increasing temps and UV indexes - no matter what your age, sunscreen is a MUST!
In my mid-30s the first signs of sun-damage started to appear on my face. A cute, what I thought was, 'freckle', appeared out of nowhere. Its diameter expanded and colour darkened as the years passed. This wasn't a freckle after all but rather, melasma. A few years ago the melasma started to appear on the highs of BOTH my cheekbones; and what at first seemed barely noticeable, soon turned into obvious and annoyingly distracting brown patches - wonderful reminders of how I was a careless worshipping sun-goddess in my youth. Of course, it could be worse.
Excessive exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer and while it is rare in individuals under the age of 40, the incidence of carcinomas increase with age. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada and an estimated 75,000 Canadians were diagnosed with skin cancer last year.
Sunscreen is something that should be part of ones daily ritual - just as brushing your teeth is, so should applying suncreen every day be. Kids and teens especially need to be taught about the hazards of sun exposure so that they protect themselves and minimize the possibility of developing skin cancer in later years. If you're not a regular user of sunscreen, then it's time to start.
Prevent skin cancer - this link gives pointers on how to minimize your risk. 9 down, 91 to go!
Routine breast screening and early detection are key in fighting and surviving this disease. Regular self-examinations (see chart, inset, or go to Breast Cancer Society of Canada for printer-friendly version), clinical exams by your practitioner, and mammograms all help in reducing the number of women who die of breast cancer. In the province of Ontario, mammograms are recommended every 2 years for women over 50. However if you are between 40 and 49, you can speak to your doctor about early screening. 
