October shines the light on Breast Cancer awareness

The statistics are scary. One in every eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 women will die from it, estimates the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Breast cancer affects us all. On average, 84 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day,” said Laura Benner of the Canadian Cancer Society in a media release on Sept. 10.

“We know life-changing progress is possible when we work together.”

The Government of Canada statistics marks breast cancer as the number two cancer killer for Canadians.

The Barrhead Cancer Centre has been supporting cancer patients since 1996 and offers a rural facility, so patients don’t need to go all the way to Edmonton for treatments, keeping them closer to home.

“Regular mammogram check-ups and self-exams made a difference in my situation,” said Pat Wheeler, who had breast cancer cells removed through surgery in 2012.

“I had gone in for a mammogram after feeling a lump and they saw a shadow.”

Things moved quickly for Wheeler and surgery was scheduled the day after her MRI because of a cancellation.

After surgery regular check-ups occurred but the breast cancer has not returned.

Wheeler stated she is grateful for the eagle-eyed professionals who made the detection and did her surgery as well as the nursing staff that looked after her.

In 2024 there is an estimate of 30,800 cases of breast cancer.

That translates to 25 per cent of new cancer cases in women this year.

Men can also be affected by breast cancer with the numbers being substantially less than women but no less important in the breast cancer struggle experienced by Canadians.

It is estimated that 290 Canadian men will develop breast cancer this year according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Survival rates for breast cancer patients are estimated at 89 per cent for 2024 in the Canadian Cancer Society data but more research is needed.

The CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday Oct. 6 to help raise funds for breast cancer. 

“Raising over $62 million to date for breast cancer research and support programs through the run over the last 33 years,”said  Anna Goncalves of CIBC in a media release on Sept. 10.

“CIBC has helped the Canadian Cancer Society change the landscape of breast cancer in Canada and we look forward to continuing to make an impact this year.”

Across Canada, in 2023, some $14.5 million dollars were raised for research in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as a national support system.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s compassionate support programs include assistance with travel to appointments, free wig services, a toll-free helpline and trustworthy information on cancer.

Breast cancer is not caused by one specific thing but a variety of factors.

Canada Public Health information states that 83 per cent of breast cancer cases occur with women over 50 years old.

Family history of breast cancer, especially in the women in the family can affect frequency with other women in that family is one factor.

Obesity, and physical inactivity in post-menopausal women is another factor.

Early menstruation, later menopause, previous breast abnormal cell biopsies, miscarriages and full-term pregnancies after 30 years old can all be factors.

Different people may experience different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people show no symptoms.

The Breast Cancer Canada group reports on their website that there are 50 different breast cancer diseases and each one needs special treatment.

Checking in with your doctor if you notice any lumps, pain, swelling, change in size or shape of breasts, or redness, is key in early detection.

Breast cancer screening can help detection breast cancer early making it easier to treat.