Often known as Pink October, this month is that of awareness of breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in Canada.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for more than 6,000 new cases each year in Quebec and approximately 80% of these cases affect women aged 50 and over. Also in the province, approximately 1,350 women die from this cancer each year.
Note that it can also affect men, although cases are much rarer. In Canada and Quebec, less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer concern men. The disease affects 1 in 934 men (compared to 1 in 8 women).
This is why it is essential to be alert about screening. The goal is to intervene before the person has signs or symptoms. Even if it is still impossible to prevent this cancer, screening makes it possible to detect it when it is at an early stage and thus increases the chances of cure.
Mammography is the only test recommended in Quebec for breast cancer screening. However, it is always best to monitor potential changes in this part of the body.
Monitor your body
If any of these signs appear, it is essential to consult a doctor as quickly as possible:
Be
– A lump (mass) appears in the breast.
– The skin of a breast has a fold inwards (retraction).
– The skin of one breast takes on the appearance of orange peel.
– The skin of one breast becomes red and the redness covers at least a third of the breast.
Nipple
– Fluid suddenly leaks from the nipple.
– Nipple retraction appears (the nipple seems to be pulled towards the inside of the breast).
– The skin on the nipple changes in appearance or texture (for example, the change may look like an eczema lesion, but it does not heal).
The fighters here
Over the past few months, EnBeauce.com met three Beauceronnes who were diagnosed with breast cancer despite their young age:
Facing the unthinkable: breast cancer diagnosed at 19
“The days”: behind the scenes of breast cancer
Sarah Lemieux wants to live her fight against cancer with joy
