During Breast Cancer Awareness Month Islanders are reminded of how important it is to be screened regularly for breast cancer, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Breast cancer touches the lives of many Island women and families,” said the minister. “Early detection saves lives by identifying cancer before symptoms even begin. I encourage Island women to get screened and consider how they can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.”
Provincial breast screening guidelines recommend women between the ages of 40 and 49 have a mammogram every year and women 50 to 75 every two years. On Prince Edward Island approximately 35,000 women fall within these age brackets. Between April 2013 and April 2015, 20,000 Island women had a mammogram.
“When breast cancer is caught early, treatments are more effective and survival rates improve,” says Theresa Callghan, Director of Diagnostic Imaging. “It is important for women to talk to their family physician or nurse practitioner about the risk factors and symptoms associated with breast cancer and make the time to get screened.”
The most predominant risk factor for breast cancer is age. Other risk factors include family history, high breast density, reproductive and menstrual history, as well as lifestyle factors such as body weight, diet and exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Minister Currie acknowledged the tremendous progress Islanders are making to increase public awareness and improve breast cancer care and support. “We are fortunate to have good access to breast screening in our province,” he said. “I hope many people will pick up the phone and make an appointment for a mammogram this month.”
Island women can make an appointment for a mammogram without a physician referral by calling the provincial Breast Screening Program at 1-888-592-9888. Breast screening clinics are located in both Charlottetown and Summerside.
For more information on breast cancer screening services on Prince Edward Island, visit www.healthpei.ca/breastscreening.