October is breast cancer awareness month and the UPEI Health and Wellness wishes to share the following information.

Every year, an estimated 27,900 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer and thousands more are living with the disease.  According to the Canadian Cancer Society, while tremendous progress has been made, breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, with 1 in 8 expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.  This year's theme, “No one should face breast cancer alone,” serves as a reminder for providers to consider the many ways they can partner with patients and families in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer.

According to the Siteman Cancer Centre, some ways to prevent breast cancer include:

• Keep Weight in Check.
• Be Physically Active.
• Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables – and Limit Alcohol (Zero is Best)
• Don't Smoke.
• Breastfeed, If Possible.
• Avoid Birth Control Pills, Particularly After Age 35 or If You Smoke.
• Avoid Hormone Therapy for Menopause.
• Tamoxifen and Raloxifene for Women at High Risk.

According to the CDC, some of the symptoms of Breast Cancer include:

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

Women 40+  on PEI can self refer to the PEI Breast Screening Program; also, if you have a first-degree relative with Breast Cancer you can request imaging 10 years earlier than the age of your relative who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

To request an appointment for breast screening, visit Skip the Waiting Room or call 1-888-592-9888 (toll-free). For other questions, call the mammography department at: Queen Elizabeth Hospital: 902-894-2915 or 902-894-2924. Prince County Hospital: 902-438-4570.

Breast imaging is the examination of the breast to demonstrate any changes and abnormalities using mammography and/or ultrasound.  

A mammogram is an x-ray test of the breast tissue. It can provide information about lumps, calcifications and other abnormalities that may be present in the breast. It is also available for screening purposes for women without any breast problems.

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves – not radiation – to show breast tissue. A breast ultrasound can show areas of the breast, including the areas closest to the chest wall that are difficult to see in a mammogram. Breast ultrasound is used to check any abnormalities in the breast and provide further information.