While more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before it is still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Canadian women.

1 in 8 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

Some factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer include:

· Age - 83% of the cases occur in women over 50 years of age

· Family history – mother or sister who was diagnosed with cancer before menopause

· Lifestyle factors - Alcohol use and obesity

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer – a breast lump or tissue that feels different, breast pain, red pitted skin over the entire breast, unusual or bloody nipple discharge or a lump or swelling under the arm.

Be Your “Breast” Friend!

It is recommended to do a breast self-examination. It's best to do this exam once a month at the same time each month. It can help you become familiar with how breasts normally look and feel so that you can notice any changes. If so, consult your doctor.

Having a mammogram may not prevent breast cancer, but it can help reduce the chances of being undetected.

Specific recommendations for mammograms are different for each woman, so talk with your doctor to see if you should get regular mammograms.