BREAST CANCER/MAMMOGRAM INFORMATION

Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram) Eligibility

Your age, family medical history, or your unique health profile helps determine when you should get screened.

• The Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program recommends that adults between the ages 50 to 74 be screened for breast cancer every 2 years
• For adults aged 30-60, who do not meet the age recommendation, but have concerns surrounding breast cancer, the OBSP recommends talking to your healthcare provider about getting a referral for the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program.

Various risk factors may make you eligible for this program.

1.  You are known to have a gene mutation that increases your risk for breast cancer
2.  You are a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) of someone who has a gene mutation that increases their risk for breast cancer
3.  You have personal family history with breast cancer
4.  You have had radiation therapy to the chest to treat another cancer or condition before age 30 and at least 8 years ago

Breast Changes of Concern

Regular assessments can help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts usually feel, making changes easier to spot. Self assessments are not a substitute for regular mammogram screenings. Check with your health care provider if your breasts looks or feel different, or if you notice one of these symptoms:

1. Lump or firm feeling in your breast or under your arm: Breast tissue can sometimes feel lumpy.
2. Nipple changes or discharge: While nipple discharge can be caused by birth control pills, some medicines, and infections, it is good to raise any changes with your healthcare provider.
3. Skin that is scaled, dimpled or puckered (orange peel skin)
4. Skin that is itchy, red, scaled, dimpled or puckered.
5. Swelling under your armpit (swollen lymph nodes)

While changes to the breast can be a health concern, some changes are not indicative of Breast Cancer:

1. Before or during your menstrual period: Your menstrual period may cause your breasts to be more tender, painful or swollen.
2. During pregnancy
3. As you approach menopause: Hormone changes can cause your breasts to feel more tender and/or more lumpier than before.
4. After menopause
5. If you are taking hormones (for example, menopausal hormone therapy, birth control pills, or injections): These hormones may make your breasts become more dense, so notify your healthcare provider if you are taking these.

Why Should I Get Screened for Breast Cancer Regularly?

Studies have found that late-stage breast cancer was significantly more frequent in women who had never been screened compared with those who had ever been screened. You do not need to have symptoms to be screened. Regular screenings for eligible adults can help with early diagnoses and, consequently, early treatment.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING (PAP SMEAR) INFORMATION

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear) Eligibility

What Causes Cervical Cancer? What is a Pap Smear?

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. An HPV infection does not always result in cervical cancer. However, since HPV infections can sometimes cause changes in the cells of the cervix, a Pap Smear is a cervical examination that checks for abnormal cell changes.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear) Eligibility:

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends that:

1. Sexually active women between the ages of 21 and 69 should receive cervical screening with the Pap test every three years.

• Updated guidelines recommend that adults under 25 talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should wait until age 25 before starting cervical screening with the Pap test. (Cancer Care Ontario)
• You can stop regular screening with Pap tests at the age of 70 if you have had 3 or more normal tests in the previous 10 years. (Cancer Care Ontario)
• People who have had a hysterectomy should talk to their doctor or nurse practitioner to see if they need to continue cervical screening.

2. As part of the Ontario Cervical Cancer Screening Program, some people receive a letter inviting them to receive their routine Pap Test.

Body Changes of Concern

Early stage cervical cancer typically does not show any symptoms. However, if you have unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, see your healthcare provider.

Why should I get regularly screened for cervical cancer?

Pap tests find early cell changes in the cervix caused by HPV infections that won’t go away. While those cell changes don’t usually cause any symptoms, they can turn into cancer if not found and treated. Regular screening lowers chances of missing important changes.

• You can and should still be screened if you have had one sexual partner.
• You can and should still be screened if you are in a same sex relationship.
• You can and should still be screened if you have been through menopause.

• Birth control is unrelated to Pap Tests, meaning you can still be screened if you have an IUD or take birth control related medication.
• While it is often advised that you schedule your Pap Test on a day you do not have your period, you may still follow through with your appointment if this cannot be avoided.
• While it is advised that you don’t have sex or use tampons, creams or medicines in your vagina for 48 hours before the test, you may still follow through with your appointment if these cannot be avoided

What Happens After My Pap Test?

Cancer Care Ontario advises that most often, your Pap test result will be normal, and that an abnormal result does not mean you have cervical cancer. In the case of an abnormal test, your health care provider will contact you to discuss next steps, such as another Pap test in a few months. You may be advised to see a specialist if needed.