Key Messages

• The cancer system begins with prevention and health promotion, with the ultimate goal being to prevent cancer in the first place. We must do a much better job of primary prevention to reduce the number of avoidable cases of cancer. 
• All men and women should lead a healthy lifestyle of eating well, being physically active and protect themselves in the sun as well as avoiding tobacco and environmental contaminants. 
• All women should become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and report any changes to their health provider. 
• Have a yearly physical examination, including a breast examination with your doctor or a trained health professional. 
• Talk to your doctor or health provider about your risk of breast cancer and about cancer screening. 
• Know that cancer screening saves lives and that if you’re over the age of 50 you can book an appointment for a mammogram yourself without a doctor’s referral. 
• Women between 50 and 69 with an average risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every 2 years.