Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS BREAST HEALTH?

The concept of Breast is one based on the idea that there are a number of conditions that affect breast health across the lifespan. Some of these conditions are fixed and difficult to control such as genetics. Other factors like exercise, nutrition and lifestyle involve choices which can be altered. Breast health is more than the absence of disease. It is a proactive approach to disease prevention, early detection and treatment of breast health concerns, including breast cancer.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

The word “cancer” comes from ancient Greece word for “crab” and was used in those times to describe the condition of a fixed, firm, irregular mass on the chest. In modern times, we call this condition breast cancer. The word “cancer” describes a whole range of diseases in which cells of an organ or tissue in the body become abnormal and fail to respond to normal growth control mechanisms.  Breast cancer is a general term or name we give to a number of diseases in which cells of glandular tissue in the breast change, become abnormal, grow at an accelerated rate and have the potential to spread to other areas of the body.

WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. There are two kinds of mammograms. A screening mammogram is a routine x-ray of a breast that appears healthy to look for disease. A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast taken when an abnormality is detected or suspected in the breast.

SHOULD I DO MONTHLY BREAST SELF EXAMINATION?

Yes. There is no 100% effective way to screen for breast cancer, so it is generally agreed that monthly breast self exam, screening mammography over age 50 (or younger if considered to be at higher risk), and yearly clinical breast exam by an experienced health professional, are the best approaches to early detection. 

I HAVE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER AND A TREATMENT IS BEING PLANNED.  WHAT THINGS CAN I DO TO BEST ADVOCATE FOR MYSELF?

Educate Yourself.  Ask for doctor recommended websites and go to your hospital breast health or cancer centre libraries. Investigate whether or not your local centres have nurse navigation or nurse hotlines to answer your questions.

Get Support. Although friends and family are great sources of emotional support - a cancer diagnosis affects them as well. They will have to do a lot of emotional work themselves and have likely have limited experience. Broaden your base of support.  Investigate peer support through the Canadian Cancer Society. Find out about psychosocial resources for you and your family from your local cancer centre or breast health program. With your doctors, create a network of people who will act together as a part of your team.

Get Organized. Bring a support person(s) to your appointments. Write down questions. Ask for copies of your test results. Keep a journal. Use your network of support in practical ways to help you with chores, find resources, etc. Investigate supplemental insurance (Alberta Blue Cross), if you don’t have it – there can be a wait period of several months to obtain additional insurance. In Canada, most cancer treatments are covered but there may be additional medications (anti-emetics for chemotherapy caused nausea) or prosthetics that may not be covered by regular health insurance.