May 4, 2009 – The idea may seem odd at first, but giving your mom or a friend a keyring on Mother’s Day might make them care more … about her breasts!
An initiative of the Canadian Cancer Society, the keyring called “Mémo-mamo” aims to encourage women aged 50 to 69 to participate in the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).
This apparently playful tool allows you to illustrate – even make it tangible! – the acuity with which a mammogram can detect a suspicious lump of a size that would be impossible to discover by a self-examination of the breasts.
“The keyring clearly indicates that breast self-examination cannot be relied on to detect breast cancer in time, and that mammography can detect an abnormality very early, even in the absence of any symptoms” , indicates André Beaulieu, spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society for Quebec.
Engage in a discussion about the importance of mammography
The “Memo-mamo” also aims to initiate a discussion among women on the importance of participating in the PQDCS and having a mammogram every two years, in women aged 50 to 69 years.
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Why target women aged 50 to 69? Eight out of ten breast cancers are detected from the age of 50, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. After 70 years, the risk of being affected decreases. While the PQDCS does not target women in this age group, they can still be monitored and have a mammogram if needed. |
According to André Beaulieu, the key ring can thus help allay certain fears often associated with mammography, such as pain, fear of receiving a diagnosis or the fear that the examination itself will cause cancerous lesions. Which is not the case.
Nearly 60% of eligible Quebec women are currently enrolled in the Quebec breast cancer screening program, according to André Beaulieu. The objective is to achieve a participation of at least 70% of them.
“It is estimated that a 70% adherence rate can reduce the mortality rate attributable to breast cancer by 25%,” he explains.
The “Memo-mamo” is available in pharmacies affiliated with PJC Jean Coutu as well as in the regional offices of the Canadian Cancer Society.1.
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Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines2 |
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If you are: |
You should : |
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40 to 49 years old |
Have a clinical breast exam at least every two years. |
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50 to 69 years old |
Have a clinical breast exam and mammogram every two years. |
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70 years and over |
Ask your doctor for advice on screening. |
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. For more information: www.cancer.ca [consulté le 4 mai 2009].
2. Ibid.
