Breast Cancer Awareness Month is underway. If you’re 45-74 years of age, it’s a great time to check that breast cancer screening is part of your regular health routine.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. It’s the second leading cause of female cancer deaths. About 1 in 7 Alberta women will have breast cancer in their lifetime.

Get checked for breast cancer by having a screening mammogram once every two years if you are between the ages of 45 and 74, or as decided by you and your healthcare provider.

Reduce Your Risk

You can lower your chances of getting breast cancer by adding these to your daily routine:
• Be physically active at least 150 minutes a week, or 20 minutes each day, even if it’s a brisk walk or some yard work.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Canada’s Food Guide recommends that fruits and vegetables make up half of what you eat every day.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Drinking less is better for your health.
• Consider quitting commercial tobacco use and avoid second-hand smoke. Talk to your healthcare provider or visit AlbertaQuits.ca for information and supports that are best for you.

What is a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The goal of screening mammograms is to find breast cancer early, which is when treatment is most effective.

During a screening mammogram, your breasts will be compressed (flattened) to get the best image possible. This may be uncomfortable or slightly painful, but tolerable. Each compression only lasts a few seconds, so any discomfort will be very short.

If you are between the ages of 45 and 74, plan to have a screening mammogram once every two years, or as decided by you and your healthcare provider. If you are in this age range, you don’t need a referral from your doctor. To find screening locations, visit screeningforlife.ca and select “where to get screened” on the top right. Use the locator tool to search “Breast”.

For people who are transgender, gender diverse, or non-binary, consider having screening mammograms regularly if you have breast tissue. This includes if:

You’ve taken gender affirming hormones (like estrogen) to increase the size of your breasts for 5 or more years in total. The years do not have to be back-to-back.

You haven’t had top surgery to remove breast tissue, even if you’ve had a hysterectomy or are taking testosterone. Testosterone therapy isn’t believed to significantly increase the risk (chance) of breast/chest cancer.

Screening in rural communities

Screen Test is a service that brings screening mammography to 120 rural communities using two mobile clinics, free of charge. To find out when the next mobile clinic is in your area, go to screeningforlife.ca/mobile-services or call 1-800-667-0604 (toll free).

Spreading awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every year in October, and aims to raise awareness around breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support.

Visit screeningforlife.ca/breast to learn more about breast screening and Screen Test mobile clinics.

Always see your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your breast. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a new lump, thickening of the skin, bloody nipple discharge or inverting of the nipple.

Alberta Health Services welcomes people of every sex, gender identity and sexual orientation to screen for breast cancer. Before getting screened, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider about your personal cancer risk level and whether screening is right for you.