Skip to content

Give some thought to breasts this month

Health Sciences North and Cancer Care Ontario want women between the ages of 50 and 54 to schedule mammography appointments this month, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
071015_hair_cut
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, and Health Sciences North has teamed up with hair stylists in the city to encourage women between the ages to 50 and 54 to schedule mammography appointments throughout the month. Photo supplied
Health Sciences North and Cancer Care Ontario want women between the ages of 50 and 54 to schedule mammography appointments this month, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The average mammogram takes just five minutes to book and less than 10 minutes to complete.

This year’s campaign will focus on increasing screening participation among the 50 to 54 age group in particular. The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) found that the 50 to 54 age group has the largest number of screen-eligible women who have not booked their mammogram appointments.

“Early detection of breast cancer through mammography can result in significant health benefits, including increased treatment options and better survival rates,” said Nicole Gauthier, regional co-ordinator of cancer screening engagement and promotion at the Northeast Cancer Centre, in a press release. “Breast cancer occurs primarily in women 50 to 74 years of age, so now is the time for women on the younger end of this age range to start thinking about regular screening for breast cancer through mammography.”

Eligible women are encouraged to book a mammogram at any time by calling 1-800-668-9304 or by visiting CancerCare.on.ca/JustBookIt. No referral from a doctor is required.

This year, hairstylists across northeastern Ontario are joining the Just Book It! Campaign.

From now until Oct. 17, 11 salons — six of them in Sudbury — will join the Northeast Cancer Centre and local public health units in Stylists Save Lives, which sees stylists talk to their clients about the importance of regular breast cancer screening.

The following groups of women are eligible for a mammogram through the OBSP:

Women aged 50 to 74 years who are at average risk for breast cancer. Women are considered eligible for the average risk program if they show no signs of acute breast cancer symptoms, have no personal history of breast cancer, have no current breast implants and have not had a mammogram within the last 11 months. It is recommended that most eligible women get screened every two years.

Women aged 30 to 69 years who are identified as being at high risk for breast cancer. Starting at age 30, women who may be at high risk for breast cancer can be referred by their healthcare provider to Ontario’s High Risk Breast Screening Program based on their family or medical history.

Participating Stylists Save Lives Salons:

MAGICUTS
2408 LONG LAKE RD
SUDBURY,ON P3E 5H5
(705) 523-5513

SMART STYLE (WALMART)2416 LONG LAKE RD
SUDBURY,ON P3E 5H5
(705) 522-9180

FIRST CHOICE HAIRCUTTERS3140 22 HIGHWAY 69 N
VAL CARON, ON P3N 1G3
(705) 897-3983

FIRST CHOICE HAIRCUTTERS2040 ALGONQUIN RD UNIT 19A
SUDBURY, ON P3E 4Z6
(705) 523-8413

SMART STYLE (WALMART) 1349 LASALLE BLVD
SUDBURY,ON P3A 1Z4
(705) 524-8145

FIRST CHOICE HAIRCUTTERS1486 LASALLE BLVD
SUDBURY, ON P3A 1Z7
(705) 566-2401

Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.