Your risk of dying from breast cancer is slightly reduced if you have regular screening. However, regular screening increases your chance of a false positive result, a biopsy and having part or all of a breast removed unnecessarily.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends women between 50 and 74 years old who are not at high risk get screened for breast cancer every 2 to 3 years. Talk to your doctor about screening options if you are at high risk or over 74 years old.

This resource includes frequently asked questions about breast cancer, including: Who is considered high risk? What are the harms associated with mammography? and Why is routine screening NOT recommended for women 40-49 years?

Your chances of dying from breast cancer can be lowered by having regular screening. There are risks related to mammograms however, including false positives, unnecessary biopsies or surgery.

Women ages 50-74 should have a mammogram every 2 to 3 years, if they are not at high risk of breast cancer. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a mammogram if you are over age 75.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 55-80 who have been heavy smokers in the past 15 years be screened for lung cancer every year.

The prostate-specific antigen test and rectal examinations are two forms of prostate cancer screening. Screening has both risks and benefits. Routine screening is not recommended for everyone. Speak with your health care provider about whether screening is a good option for you.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating or pain, difficulty eating, or more frequent trips to the washroom. Taking oral birth control pills, having breastfed or been pregnant, and some surgical procedures could lower your risk of ovarian cancer.

If you are between 55 and 74 and are currently or used to be a smoker, you should consider getting tested for lung cancer. You should speak with your health care provider about getting tested using a low-dose CT scan once a year for three years.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends men and women over age 50 have a stool test at least every 2 years to test for colorectal cancer. You are at a higher risk if you have had this cancer before, have inflammatory bowel disease or if you have a family history.

Primary brain tumors are cancers that develop in the brain. Malignant gliomas (a type of brain tumor) cause symptoms like memory loss, headache and seizures. Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Detailed information about gliomas in this resource.

Meningiomas are brain tumors that develop in the tissue around the brain and spine. Many people have no symptoms. This type of cancer is treated with surgery or radiation. This resource includes more details.

Primary brain tumours are cancers that develop in the brain. Symptoms can include seizures, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Detailed information about gliomas in this resource.

Women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer should avoid ovarian screening. Ovarian screening can give false-positive results which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and preferences before making a decision about cancer screening.

Physical activity can lower your chance of getting cancer. Exercise moderately for at least 2.5 hours every week. Exercise may also help improve your quality of life if you are a cancer survivor.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test because the harms outweigh the benefits. The harms of screening include: false positives, over-diagnosis, infection, erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and biopsy complications.

The Canadian Task Force on Prevent Health Care does not recommend men get screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test. The potential harms of screening and follow-up treatment do not outweigh the small benefits.

Prostate cancer screening with a PSA test is not recommended because there are more potential harms than benefits.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a slow growing cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Details about treatment options - including medications and stem cell transplant - are included in this resource.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer related to the lymphatic system. The most common symptom is a painless, swollen lymph node in the neck. Treatments include radiation and chemotherapy.

If you have a family history or personal history with specific cancers, you may be at an increased risk of developing them. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you are at high risk. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine your risk level.

The United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women over 40 talk to their doctor about the benefits and harms of getting a mammogram. Women between 50 and 74 should get a mammogram every two years. Check your local guidelines for more information.

Lower your risk of breast cancer by exercising, not smoking and eating healthy. Environment, some medications and estrogen exposure can increase your risk. Some of the things you cannot change about your risk are age, ethnicity, and family history.

Bone marrow transplantation is used for treating cancer and other conditions. This resource provides detailed information on the different types of bone marrow transplants, choosing a donor, procedures, and possible side effects.

Breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge and changes in breast skin are common breast problems. They can occur at all ages and for many different reasons. See your doctor if you develop any changes in your breasts.

The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend that women over the age of 65 get screened for cervical cancer unless they are at high risk or have not been screened before.

Pap tests every 1-3 years are recommended for women over the age of 21 who have been sexually active. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a pap test if you are over age 69 or have had a hysterectomy. Learn about preparing for a pap test, the risks and results in this resource.

Speak with your health care provider about your risk of colorectal cancer to determine when you should start getting screened, and when you should stop. Your health care provider may recommend getting screened earlier and more often if you have an increased risk of this type of cancer (eg. family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease).

Blood in your urine and mid-back pain are common symptoms of bladder cancer. See your doctor to have your kidneys, bladder and urethra checked if you have any of these symptoms.

Breast cancer screening includes tests to find breast cancer at an early stage. The chance of dying from breast cancer has decreased over the past few years, partly because of screening. This resource reviews different types of screening, as well as how often to go.

Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for postmenopausal women.

Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for premenopausal women.

Women with HER2 positive breast cancer tumours may benefit from chemotherapy and targeted treatment. Read about treatment options here and discuss your options with your doctor.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a blood cancer. Chemotherapy is a common treatment - side effects include hair loss, vomiting, and higher risk of infection. More information related to treatment for ALL is available in this resource.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Common treatments are chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. AML in older adults can be more difficult to treat.

A Pap test screens for cervical cancer. It recommended that sexually active women 25-69 have one every 3 years. Screening is not recommended for those older than 70 if your last 3 Pap tests were negative.

This resource includes information about the Pap test and what an abnormal test result means.

Evidence has shown that aspirin can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Now there is also evidence that aspirin can help reduce the risk of developing cancer or slow the spread of cancer to new parts of the body.

There has been an improvement in survival of patients with multiple myeloma over the past 30 years. Treatment can include chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Treatment recommendations are often related to a person's age - details in this resource.

Film and digital mammograms are not very different from each other. Both are just as accurate at detecting breast cancer.

Treatment options for breast cancer include medications, chemotherapy and surgery. Recent evidence shows the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin®) can reduce cancer progression by more than one third. Speak with your doctor about treatment options, talk to other patients about their experiences, understand the latest evidence on breast cancer treatments and use a decision aid (links in this resource).

Our increased understanding of breast cancer, coupled with earlier detection and tailored treatment approaches, have contributed to greater survival rates. Reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by discussing screening with your health care provider, enhancing your breast awareness through self-exams, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding or limiting alcohol intake. Immediately consult with your health care provider if you notice a lump or other changes in your breasts.

One method used to screen for breast cancer is an x-ray test known as a mammogram. Mammograms may help decrease deaths from breast cancer in women ages 40 to 74 but do come with some risks. This resource provides information on how mammograms are done, how to prepare, what they feel like, risks, results, what affects the test, and considerations to make. Speak with your health care provider about your risk for breast cancer, the available breast cancer screening options, and the risks and benefits of each.

Cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis. Cannabinoids can help relieve nausea and/or vomiting caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Cannabis use may result in negative side effects such as dry mouth, sensory changes, increased blood pressure, and issues with memory and concentration. More research is needed to establish cannabis or cannabinoids as cancer treatments.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race, family history, and obesity. The presence of symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the cancer, with earlier stages potentially having no symptoms and later stages being accompanied by blood in the semen, bone pain, and problems urinating. Reduce your risk of prostate cancer by eating a healthy diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and speaking with a health care provider about your risk.

Ovarian cancer causes bloating, feeling full, and pain or pressure in the pelvic area. You might have a higher risk of ovarian cancer if you are over 50 are taking hormone replacement therapy, have endometriosis, or are overweight.

Acupuncture can be a complementary therapy for people with cancer. Acupuncture may help with nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It could also help with other side effects, but more research is needed. Talk to your doctor if you have been thinking of getting acupuncture.

Skins exams help detect signs of skin issues and cancer. They are usually done yearly or more often if you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Learn the ABCDE rule or the seven point checklist that doctors use to recognize the differences between normal moles and melanoma.

If you have had breast cancer, your risk of getting cancer again is highest within 5 years. This means that it is very important to go to your follow-up appointments after treatment. If you have any new symptoms before your follow-up appointment, tell your health care provider right away.

To help prevent cancer: avoid tobacco and intense sun exposure, exercise, maintain a healthy body weight, and practice safe sex. Certain immunizations may also help and identifying cancer early increases your chances of successful treatment.

Signs of colon polyps include abdominal pain, blood in stool or a change in bathroom habits. It is important to get screened if you are at risk since some polyps can develop into colon cancer. Many polyps can be removed during screening.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of a kind of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. It is more common in men and older adults. You may be treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This resource provides detailed information about the disease.

Follicular lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. Older adults, women, and certain ethnicities are at a higher risk. Symptoms include swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. This resource provides more information on symptoms, diagnosis and staging, and treatment.

Women with cancer can now opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). This option is for women with cancer who choose to remove their healthy breast. Details about the pros and cons of this approach in this resource.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is enough to satisfy your daily vitamin requirements. Unless your diet is lacking in some way, you do not need to take vitamins. Vitamins do little to prevent asthma, cancer or ear infections.

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer. Risk of some cancers are even greater for people who drink and smoke. Follow drinking guidelines to help lower your risk (details in this resource).

Alcohol is linked to many different types of cancer. Drinking alcohol regularly increases risk of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, or colorectal cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk. Recommended alcohol limits are no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

Breast cysts are common. Your doctor might recommend tests to make sure that the cysts are not cancerous. If the cysts are causing pain, try a well-fitting bra, warm or cool compresses, or over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Your doctor might recommend aspiration to empty the cysts.

Uterine cancer is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 75 and 79. If uterine cancer is found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding past menopause, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the US. The death rate has declined, partly due to increased screening and improved treatment. When found and treated early it is often curable. This website gives information about diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

Screening with tests such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy can detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat. Details about these tests in this resource.

If you are a long-time smoker, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is more likely to be cured if found in its early stages.

If you are between 50 and 74 years of age, you should have regular mammograms to test for breast cancer every 2-3 years. If you are over the age of 75, talk to your doctor before going for breast cancer screening.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. To reduce your risk use sunscreen, cover your skin, sit in the shade and wear sunglasses. Do not use indoor tanning beds.

Symptoms of skin cancer include but are not limited to: changes in moles or spots on the skin, sores that don't heal, and red patches on the skin that are scaly or rough. Consult with your doctor immediately after flagging changes to your skin so they can conduct a skin exam.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slow developing cancer. Careful monitoring can help determine if and when treatment is necessary. People with advanced CLL are treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Surgery to remove the tumour is the most common treatment for bladder cancer, often followed by chemotherapy. Close follow up by your doctor is important as bladder cancer often comes back.

Use this decision aid to help understand your choices about breast cancer screening, including the risks and benefits of mammograms.

Skin changes are a normal part of aging. Regularly check your skin for any changes. See your doctor if you notice a change or wound that doesn't go away within 4 weeks.

Risks of breast implants include breakage, numbness in the breast or nipples, infection and the need for more surgeries. Breast implants may also delay detection of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor and understand the risks before you decide to undergo surgery.

Smoking cigars significantly increases your risk of developing cancer and heart disease, even if you do not inhale the smoke.

Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow is known as multiple myeloma. Growth of these cells leads to bone pain, fractures and other issues. Blood and bone marrow tests are used for diagnosis.

Red meat and processed meat may increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. For a healthy diet, reduce your intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.

Secondhand smoke can lead to heart disease, lung disease and cancer. Make your home, car and workplace smoke-free environments and avoid areas where smoking is allowed.

Get the HPV vaccine, limit your sexual partners and use a condom to lower your risk of vaginal cancer. Have regular pap tests and avoid smoking. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor about vaginal cancer.

Hormone therapy should only be used as a last resort for severe menopause symptoms and only for a short time.

Treatment can often slow the progress of stomach cancer, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better. Discuss treatment options with a specialist who knows your case.

Alternative cancer treatments such as exercise, yoga, acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage therapy, hypnosis, music therapy, and meditation may offer relief from your symptoms. They may help with anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress.

Know the symptoms of lung cancer and get regular health checks. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment. Current research is exploring benefits of using CT scans vs chest x-rays.

Cervical cancer screening is used to find cervical cancer prior to symptom development. Early detection helps increase the chance of treatment being successful.

Seventy percent of bladder cancer cases are not invasive. Surgery to remove the bladder is the most common treatment for invasive bladder cancer. This resource provides details, including answers to the common question, "Where will the urine go?"

Cancer survivors may feel emotional and scared. Try to stay busy, take care of your body, be open about emotions and fears and go to all your medical appointments. If you are feeling lonely or need help, talk to a therapist or doctor or attend support groups with other cancer survivors.

Finding breast cancer early means a better chance for successful treatment and the cancer is less likely to spread. Mammograms are used as a breast cancer screening tool.