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6 must-see breast cancer websites
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Boost your breast cancer awareness by visiting sites that deliver trusted information on symptoms, research, treatment, prevention and more.
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By Dee Van Dyk
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The statistics can feel overwhelming. Breast cancer, the most common cancer among Canadian women, strikes one in nine women and one in 27 will die as a result of it. This year alone, an estimated 22,300 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 women will die because of it. But although the numbers are disproportionate, breast cancer doesn't exclusively strike women. An estimated 170 men will also be diagnosed with it and 50 will die because of it.
Risk factors for breast cancer
The Canadian Cancer Society lists the following factors as contributing to an increased risk of getting breast cancer:
• Lifestyle (physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol consumption)
• Heredity (a family history of breast cancer)
• Reproductive/hormonal factors (older age at first childbirth, starting menstruation early, irregular periods, late menopause, using birth control pills, taking combined hormone replacement therapy)
Breast cancer prevention: Reduce your risk
• Don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
• Moderate your alcohol intake
• Have regular medical checkups, regular pap tests
• Do a monthly breast exam on yourself
What are common warning signs of breast cancer?
• Pain, bleeding, or discharge from nipples
• Changes in the shape of the breast
• A general swelling of the entire breast
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin of the breast
What to do if you find a lump
• Your first step will be to book an appointment with your doctor
• Keep in mind that most lumps are not cancerous, but do follow up any abnormal changes in your breasts
6 must-see breast cancer websites
The best advice for your personal care will come from your family doctor, of course, but the following reputable websites can help to answer some of your questions as well as offer some food for thought before your next visit to the doctor's office.
Click on each organization's name to be directed to their website.
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
The mandate of this national volunteer-based organization is to fund, support and advocate for breast cancer research, promote education and awareness, and improve the quality of life for those with breast cancer. There's a particularly useful list of after-diagnosis questions on this site (from ‘what kind of breast cancer do I have?' to ‘Do I qualify for any clinical trials?') .
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network
For a listing of Canadian Breast Cancer Network programs, click here.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance
As its name implies, the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance focuses on research into the prevention and ultimate cure for breast cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization with a mandate of curing cancer while improving the lives of those suffering from it. You'll find a list of links to provincial supports and services on the lefthand side of the homepage. There's a great deal of practical information here, including financial resources, coping with a cancer diagnosis, hospital care and peer support programs.
Breast Cancer Support Services Inc.
This Burlington, Ontario-based support group has a nifty sidebar of questions along the righthand side of the webpage that refreshes every few seconds. Many of the questions/answers are those you may have already thought about (What exactly is breast cancer?) and some you may not have considered (What are some breast cancer myths?).
How to do a breast self examination
The Breast Self Exam Website walks you through the entire process of properly examining your breasts, using pictures, sound and text. Remember, it's important to consult your doctor about your personal plan for breast health.
The good news is that breast cancer rates have been declining since the 1990's, a fact the Canadian Cancer Society attributes to more and better screening, and more effective treatment of breast cancer. Arm yourself with the facts about breast cancer, reduce your risk factors, and be vigilant about your breast health.
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