Early Detection

If breast cancer is found and treated early, the opportunity for a successful outcome is greater. Taking an active role in your personal breast-screening program is important. Breast-screening programs and better treatments have helped to reduce the number of women who die from the disease. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them.

Breast Self Exam (BSE)

Examining yourself on a routine basis allows you to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This can help you become aware of any changes that may occur. BSE's can be done at any age and if you notice changes see your healthcare professional. Although breast self exams are important, they should not replace regular clinical breast exams or mammograms.

Click here to download a breast self-exam card.

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

A clinical breast exam is an examination by a healthcare professional; who uses his/her hands to feel for lumps or other changes. Many women have a CBE as part of their regular health check-up. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you. If you are between 40 and 49 year of age it is recommended that you have a CBE at least every two years.

Mammography Exam

A mammography exam is a low-dose x-ray of the breast and is done in a clinic or screening centre. If you are between 40-49 check with your healthcare professional about having a mammogram. If you are 50 and over, recommendations are that you should have a mammogram every two years. If you are 70 years or older, discuss with your doctor how often you should be tested for breast cancer.

Disclaimer: The Breast Cancer Society of Canada does not give medical advice or offer analysis or interpretations of the information we make available and we do not provide medical referrals. We do not approve of or endorse any particular treatment or course of action found through the web links listed above. They should not be used for self-diagnosis and should not be relied upon as a substitute for regular consultations with a qualified health professional who is familiar with your individual medical history and needs.

Some important prevention factors that you can control:

• Limit alcohol intake. No more than one drink per day is recommended
• Control your weight, particularity after menopause
• Breast feed: the longer you breast feed the greater the protection
• Get plenty of exercise. 60 minutes of moderate physical activity is recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada
• Discontinue Hormone Therapy. Ask your doctor about other options
• Avoid exposure to known carcinogens