1. Please tell our mom readers about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and ‘Finding Hope.’

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. ‘Finding Hope’ is a blog for people who have been affected by breast cancer to share their stories and connect with the wider community.

2. How can breast cancer survivors join and/or contribute to the Breast Cancer Foundation?

We invite survivors to share their story with us, with the aim that doing so will help others experiencing breast cancer. However, the blog is not exclusive to survivors; breast cancer is a disease that has a profound and wide-reaching effect on family, friends, colleagues, and the community. Sharing these experiences will help others who may be faced with similar issues. Story sharing also enables the contributor to reach out to the community for hope and inspiration on their journey.

3. What are some of the events that you have organized in aid of breast cancer research?

Fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation happens at both national and regional levels. The Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for:

• Relevant and innovative research,

• Meaningful education and awareness programs,

• Early diagnosis and effective treatment, and

• A positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.

We fundraise through our annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, special events, corporate sponsorship and donations . Current fundraising events include:

https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/en/about.asp

http://www.cookforthecure.ca/

http://50over50.org/

For more information please refer to: http://www.cbcf.org/action

4. Is breast cancer on the rise? If so, what do you think are the biggest contributing factors? If not, are we getting better at prevention?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women. One in nine (11%) Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. However, there is more cause to be optimistic. Since 1999, the incidence of breast cancer in Canada has stabilized. Since 1986, the breast cancer mortality rate has fallen by more than 30% and is currently the lowest it has been since 1950. In women aged 20-39, breast cancer incidence and death rates have declined since 1969.

For more information please refer to: http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_whatbc_bc.asp

It is believed that a combination of inherited and environmental causes must be present for breast cancer to develop. Inherited factors include genetic mutations and some environmental factors are level of physical activity, use of hormone therapy and exposure to chemicals that are known to change cell DNA. However, it is important to note that the exact causes of breast cancer are unknown. http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_whatbc_wa.asp

5. When a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, it must be devastating and heart wrenching. And she typically faces extreme pressure to quickly undergo disfiguring surgery, followed by months of radiation and/or high-dose chemotherapy, all of which are generally unpleasant and can have serious negative side effects. How does it feel to have experienced the initial shock, but to have avoided all that usually follows, and yet be restored to good health?

For an account of personal experiences of a breast cancer diagnosis and the journey following, visit our ‘Finding Hope’ blog at http://findinghope.cbcf.org/

6. Apart from the risk of recurrence, what kinds of health challenges do breast cancer survivors face?

There are many challenges faced by breast cancer survivors even after successful treatment. These may include a follow-up care plan, breast reconstruction and lymphedema, to name a few. Besides physical challenges survivors may also face emotional, social and spiritual issues. For more information on the journey for survivors consult: http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_livingbc.asp

7. What is your message to our readers in relation to breast cancer prevention?

Be breast aware. Your health is in your hands.

The breasts are constantly changing through life. Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. That way, if there are any significant changes, you'll be more likely to notice them early.http://www.cbcf.org/breastcancer/bc_aware.asp

FIVE STEPS TO BEING BREAST AWARE

1. Know how your breasts normally look and feel.

2. Know what changes to look for.

3. Look and feel for changes.

4. Report any changes to a doctor.

5. Go for a free mammogram if you are of the appropriate age, or if recommended by a doctor. By finding breast abnormalities in the early stages, mammograms can save lives. Women at the appropriate age can get a free mammogram through their regional breast screening program.