www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 20, 2011 · 20 Early detection of breast cancer saves lives (NC)--Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Ontario women, but it isn't always easy to spot. That's why screening is so important, especially for women who are at a higher risk of developing the disease. While breast cancer can be diagnosed at any age, in most cases it occurs in women over the age of 50. A small number of women are at increased risk at a much earlier age because of genetics or family history. In Ontario, it is recommended that women 50 years of age and over have a mammogram every two years. The province initiated the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) 20 years ago to organize screening in a systematic way to include improved access, quality assurance, and follow-up letters to help women maintain the appropriate schedule for their mammograms. As of July 1, the OBSP is expanding to include appropriate screening for women aged 30 to 69 years who are at high risk for breast cancer. Women who are deemed eligible by their physician can be referred to the OBSP Navigator at the closest OBSP High Risk Screening Centre. The navigator will then coordinate genetic assessment and testing (if appropriate), annual breast MRI, and screening mammography. In addition to receiving annual screening, these women will also receive the benefits of the organized screening program. The OBSP will inform them of f screening results, arrange follow-up breast assessment services after abnormal screens, and provide automatic recalls when they are due to be re-screened. Before she joined the OBSP, Margot McAuliffe couldn't remember the last time she'd thought about having a mammogram but after learning about the OBSP she made an appointment to get screened. Then, at the age of f 52, Margot was diagnosed with an aggressive form of f breast cancer. Nearly five years later--after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy--she's cancer free. "The OBSP saved my life. They really did. If I hadn't gone for a mammogram then, I don't know when I would have bothered going or what stage the cancer would have been at when it was finally found." Already, since the OBSP was launched, more than a million women have taken part, and more than 3.6 million screening tests have detected almost 20,000 cancers, the majority in early stages. Despite the value and success of the OBSP, today, nearly one third of the women who are eligible for breast cancer screening do not get screened. To help encourage all women to get the appropriate screening they need, Ontario has created www.ontario.ca/screenforlife. This website offers a quick online overview for women to help them find out about the appropriate screening options, whether they need to get a physician's referral to access screening, and directions to their nearest Ontario Breast Screening Program site. www.newscanada.com Chemotherapy? Our all-inclusive Comfort program brings together all the treatments, products and peace of mind that you'll need from the time you learn that you will lose your hair until it grows back. The Comfort program includes: A comfortable hair prosthesis made from human hair or synthetic fibers, as well as fitting, cutting, styling and reconditioning as necessary; A transitional hair cut to help better prepare you for the hair loss; Cabin treatments to soothe your sensitive and irritated scalp and encourage a healthy regrowth; Complete privacy, individual attention and experienced staff who will support you through the whole process. 14 Henry Street Mississauga L5M 1S2 by Tel.: 905 821-1092 1 866 605-9447 Credit Valley Hospital 2200 Eglinton Ave. West Mississauga L5M 2N1 Tel.: 905 813-3571 www.capilia.ca www.trulyyou.ca DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS AND RESOURCES FOR CANCER RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND SUPPORT If you could change one thing about your breast form, it would be to make it cooler - much cooler? Well, consider it done with the totally new, totally different, f totally cool BodiCoolTM Gel technology to keep you cool and comfortable! Make today the day you experience the really cool difference f of BodiCoolTM. The quality you expect, the natural comfort you desire. Contact the professional Trulife fitter below and ASK FOR BodiCoolTM! Locksof ourage Wear Locks of Courage hair extension as an expression of your commitment to the strength and courage of women affected f by cancer. r During the month of October, r for each highlight that is sold for $20.00 $12.00 will be donated by Capilia by Truly You to the Canadian Cancer Society 905-454-5710 www.DiannesMastectomy.com