This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, underlining the importance of regularly performing self-exams and undergoing appropriate screenings.
St. Thomas certified cancer coach Catharine Jannsen points to recent changes in the province whereby women aged 40 and older can self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
Of the one million women between ages 40-49 that are now eligible for mammograms, it is estimated that an additional 305,000 will self refer for screening.
Breast cancer has seen a notable increase in incidence over recent years, making awareness and early detection critical.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones has highlighted the importance of early detection of breast cancer, noting that one in nine women in the province are affected by breast cancer.
The province’s announcement earlier this month is applauded by Jannsen.
“I know the struggles that I went through and I don’t want anyone to ever feel alone,” stresses Jannsen.
She promotes not only a healthy lifestyle, but most important, the significance of regularly performing self-exams for early detection leading to better health outcomes.
Jannsen points out there is a wealth of information and tips on the Canadian Cancer Society website at https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast
She has her own company, BRACAShirts which produces high-quality and fashionable shirts and hospital gowns to help surgical patients manage their post-surgical drains.
They come in 2 styles – pockets outside for easy access, and pockets inside to hide the drain.
BRACAShirts also has a YouTube channel (CancerCareRoundup) where they interview leaders of cancer care initiatives and bridge the cancer and surgery patient knowledge gap.
You can find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/@cancercareroundupwithbraca2926
She has made a number of her shirts and gowns available at no charge to those undergoing breast cancer treatment.
If you are interested in picking one up, call the myFM newsroom at 519-633-6936.
