Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why early detection matters

October 1, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

Caption

Master Seaman Rebecca Gallant, Port Inspection Diver from Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) stands on parade during the closing ceremonies for Phase 1 of Exercise TRADEWINDS 15 in St Kitts and Nevis on June 9, 2015.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada – a time to highlight a disease that impacts thousands of Canadians every year. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and people with breasts. In 2024, it accounted for 13% of all cancer deaths in this group.

The good news is that early detection saves lives and screening for breast cancer is effective. When breast cancer is found early, treatment is often less invasive, recovery is quicker, and the chances of a full recovery are much higher.

Who is at risk?

Age is a key risk factor. Most cases occur in women and people with breasts over the age of 50. That’s why routine mammograms are recommended starting at age 50. However, you can discuss starting screening as early as age 40 with your healthcare provider.

What can you do?

• Build breast awareness: Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any changes, report them to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

• Talk about screening: If you're 40 or older, speak with your healthcare provider about the right time for you to start mammograms.
• Stay active and eat well: Regular physical activity and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower your risk. If you drink alcohol, try to limit your intake.

Did you know?

Getting 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense physical exercise every week can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. For those who’ve had breast cancer, it can lower the risk of recurrence. Small amounts of activity throughout the day count – it all adds up.

• Moderate exercise includes activities like brisk walking or cycling at a pace where you can talk but can’t sing.
• Vigorous exercise means activities like running or fast cycling, where speaking more than a few words without pausing for breath becomes difficult.

A note on breast cancer in males

Breast cancer in males and those not on feminizing hormones is very rare. Routine screening is not recommended for this group.

Take action this October

Learn about your risk factors and the importance of early detection. Whether for yourself or someone you care about, awareness and action make a real difference.

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society website and cancer screening for CAF members.

If you or someone you know needs support as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis, there is help available.