Dear Ate Anna,

I am a new immigrant. I was surprised yesterday to receive a letter asking me to make an appointment for a mammogram. I don’t have any breast problems or concerns. Why would they ask me to do a mammogram? I am a bit worried now.

Dorothy

Dear Dorothy,

Ate Anna believes that your 50^th birthday is coming soon or you are already 50 years old or older. In Manitoba, when women turn 50, they receive a letter from BreastCheck, CareCare Manitoba (formerly the Manitoba Breast Screening Program) asking them to make an appointment for a mammogram.

BreastCheckis a screening program to check women aged 50 and older for early signs of breast cancer, even if they have no symptoms. At BreastCheck, a technologist will take an X-ray of your breasts (mammogram) and you will receive information on breast health. These health services are free.

In Canada, it is recommended that women over 50 years old have a mammogram every two years. Why be screened? What are the benefits? Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. In Canada, more than 22,000 women develop breast cancer every year and more than 5,000 women die from this disease. It is estimated that one in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

The purpose of the screening is to find breast cancer early – when it is small and less likely to spread to other parts of the body. This reduces a woman’s chances of dying from the disease. Research has shown that regular screening mammograms can lower deaths from breast cancer in women aged 50-69 years by up to 25 per cent. There are more treatment options for most types of breast cancer when they are found early. There is also a better chance of a successful recovery. Finding breast cancer early could save a life!

As a woman gets older, her chances of getting breast cancer increase. Most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Many women get breast cancer, just from “being a woman.” Dorothy, the good news is there are measures that you can take for early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

In addition to a mammogram, it is important to see a doctor for a clinical breast examination at least every two years or you should consult your doctor about when and how often to be examined. Sometimes, the cancer cannot be seen clearly on the mammogram and it may be missed.

Dorothy, you also need to get to know how your breasts feel so that you will know what is normal for you. This will help you recognize any changes that happen. Look for anything unusual in each breast, for example:

• a lump in the breast
• unusual increase in the size of one breast; change in shape or colour of the breast
• discharge from the nipple (clear or bloody)
• thickened hard skin
• skin changes, including any changes to the nipple

These signs do not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it is important to see a doctor to have these changes checked out.

Remember, mammogram and breast examinations are the tools for finding breast cancer when it is already there. They do not prevent breast cancer. However, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and limit alcohol consumption. Many studies have shown that obesity, a diet high in fat, lack of exercise and drinking alcohol contribute to breast cancer.

Dorothy, call the BreastCheck program and book your appointment today. Your visit at the screening centre will take about 30 minutes. It may give you peace of mind to know that your mammogram does not show cancer. Or, if your mammogram finds something unusual, you will get follow up tests as part of the routine screening. Most women who go for extra tests will not have breast cancer. If, however, a breast cancer is found, it is often caught at an early stage and treatment is available and simpler.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast health is an important part of women’s health regardless of age. Remember, if you find a lump or any other changes in your breast; see your doctor right away!

For women over 50 who have never had a mammogram, you can call BreastCheck directly at 788-8000 or 1-800-903-9290 to make an appointment. You don’t need a doctor’s referral. For more information about BreastCheck or screening locations in Winnipeg and in Manitoba, visit the CancerCare MB web site.

Take care,
Ate Anna

Ate Anna welcomes your questions and comments. Please write to: Ate Anna, Suite 200 – 226 Osborne Street N., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V4 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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