Thursday, October 10, 2013
South West Regional Cancer Program
More Women in Ontario Should Be Screened for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, affecting 1 in 9. An estimated 9,300 women in Ontario will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013; sadly, 1,950 of these will die of the disease. Yet only 61 per cent of Ontario women aged 50 to 74 were screened in 2010-2011.
As Breast Awareness Month begins, the South West Regional Cancer Program, together with Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), is encouraging women across the region to get screened regularly through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
To help address the rise of chronic health conditions related to lifestyle (including cancer) and concerns about employee wellbeing, employers like the London Life Insurance Company have developed effective wellness programs and engaged employees in the management of their health. Such initiatives across the province are helping to reach individuals who have never accessed programs such as the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and who may not be aware of the benefits of early screening and detection.
Each October since 2005, London Life female staff over 50 who have never had a mammogram have been offered the opportunity to screen in style. Not only are the women picked up by a local limousine service and escorted to their confidential appointments, but each woman is presented with a pink rose when she returns to work.
“It’s important for women to take time to manage their own health,” says Cathy Weaver, Vice-President, Human Resources, London Life. “It’s equally important they feel their employer encourages and supports them in living a healthy lifestyle. This is a priority for us at London Life.”
Many London Life participants have indicated their appreciation of the program. Said one: “I would have eventually got around to going, but by offering this for first timers, it gets those of us there that normally would have procrastinated. This made it easy. I sure hope you continue to do this every year as it’s such an important test.”
“The South West Regional Cancer Program is pleased to assist London Life in setting up mammography appointments for their female employees,” says Neil Johnson, Regional Vice President for the South West Regional Cancer Program.
“Mammograms are the best tool we have for detecting breast cancer. All eligible women should take advantage of the screening program in Ontario,” Johnson said.
Women who are both average and high risk can be screened through the OBSP. Average risk women aged 50 to 74 may be screened with mammography every two years without a referral. High-risk women aged 30 to 69 may be referred to the High Risk Screening Program for an annual mammography and MRI.
Facts:
- As of June 2013, there are 162 OBSP sites, including two mobile coaches
- Women aged 50 to 74 can self-refer to any OBSP site, meaning they do not need a referral from a doctor to receive a mammogram
- Women aged 30 to 69 years are considered to be at high risk if they have:
- A genetic mutation that puts them at high risk for breast cancer
- A parent, sibling or child who has a genetic mutation that puts them at high risk for breast cancer and they have denied genetic testing
- A family history that indicates a lifetime risk of breast cancer that is greater or equal to 25 per cent confirmed through genetic assessment
- Have received radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 and at least eight years previously.
To find out when you should start screening for cancer, or to encourage friends and family to get themselves checked, visit the Time to Screen Tool at: www.ontario.ca/screenforlife.
To find an OBSP site, call 1-800-668-9304 or www.cancercare.on.ca/breastscreening/locations.
Media Contact:
Melissa Beilhartz
Publicity & Marketing Specialist
South West Regional Cancer Program
519-685-8600 ext 54046
Melissa.beilhartz@lhsc.on.ca
|