March 29, 2024

BY LEAH MORROW

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. On average, 68 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer on any given day, and 25,000 will be diagnosed this year.

The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer cases in Ontario will hit 12,730 by 2030 – a 30 per cent increase from 2015. The increase, which is due mostly to the aging population, will create a serious challenge when it comes to the quality of treatment available for patients in the years to come.

What can women do to reduce their risk of breast cancer?

Recently, employees at a local consignment store called Carousal Clothing put together a fashion show and fundraiser to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Society and help raise awareness.

“Everyone knows what normal feels like,” said Alcyia Fisher, one of the event co-ordinators for Carousal Clothing’s “First Ever Breast Cancer Fundraiser.” “If you feel something beyond that, then you should get checked out, early signs help save lives.”

Many women are alive today because of early detection. Amd there are breast cancer screening programs set up across Canada that offer regular testing, even if you don’t have symptoms. The Waterloo Wellington Breast Centre at Grand River Hospital is one of these, offering mammography services at their 3570 King St. E., Kitchener location.

“Everyone should be very in tune with their bodies,” said Fisher. “A lot of people avoid certain signs within themselves. If you feel like something is wrong it probably is.”

Knowing personal and family history is also very important, as well as limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy body weight. These are just a few ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Since the 1980s, the Canadian Cancer Society has invested more than $100 million into breast cancer research and saved 26,000 lives. During October, men and women can paint their nails pink to show support as well as purchase a pink ribbon and wear pink on Friday, Oct. 23.

“We have seen so many success stories, but we have also lost a few women, that is why we decided to hold a fundraiser,” said Ann Neville, also an event co-ordinator for Carousal Clothing’s breast cancer fundraiser. Women helping women, that’s what it’s all about.”

The event raised $2,800.

For more information about breast cancer go to www.cancer.ca.

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