Breast Cancer Info

Men, Women & Adolescents - it touches all of us

celebration after race

The Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group has vowed to raise public awareness about breast cancer and the achievement of living full and active lives following a diagnosis of breast cancer through dragon boating as well as other wellness programs. Our group also aims to raise funds in support of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at local hospitals.

Our vision is that all people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the vicinities of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Township of Uxbridge and Township of Scugog will have the opportunity to participate in dragon boating and/or other wellness programs designed to promote full and active living.

  • Breast cancer is not selective – it can affect women, men and adolescents.
  • Early detection, treatment and support increase the likelihood of survivorship and continued overall good health.
  • Regular, specialized upper-body exercise helps prevent the onset of Lymphedema, a painful, debilitating swelling of the lymph nodes in the affected arm.
  • One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer.
  • One in every 28 Canadian women will die from breast cancer.

 

There is cause to be optimistic. Since 1999, the incidence of breast cancer in Canada has stabilized. Incidence and death rates for breast cancer have declined since 1969 in women aged 20-39.

There has been a significant improvement in survival rates for women with breast cancer since the mid-1980s, largely as a result of improvements in screening and treatment. At present, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is 87%, which means that people diagnosed with breast cancer have an 87% likelihood of living for 5 years after their diagnosis.

  • In 2008, an estimated 22,400 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. On average, that is about 431 women diagnosed every week.
  • In 2008, an estimated 170 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men with breast cancer make up a little less than 1% of all cases.
  • In 2008, an estimated 5,300 women and 50 men will die from breast cancer in Canada.

 

Source: Canadian Cancer Society /National Cancer Institute of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2008, Toronto, Canada, 2008