Breast Cancer

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The Issue

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. While the causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, research shows that you can lower your risk of developing the disease or dying from it, by minimizing lifestyle and environmental risk factors and through breast cancer screening.

Background

The number of breast cancer cases grew slowly from the 1960's to the early 1990's, but leveled off in 1993. One in nine women in Canada will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2003, 21,100 Canadian women will develop the disease, and about 5,300 will die from it.

Risks of Developing Breast Cancer

Scientific researchers have identified some factors which increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. Having breast implants to change your breast size or shape, or to rebuild a breast after surgery, has not been found to be a risk factor for breast cancer.

Factors which have been consistently found to increase risk

(for more details about these factors, see "Minimizing Your Risk" below)

• Being overweight/obese (only afte