With the holiday season right around the corner, for many people that means parties, festive dinners, and more rich food, caffeine, and alcohol than they normally consume. Then, after all the celebrating, many people relax on the couch—and that creates the perfect recipe for heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn (sometimes called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) refers to a cluster of symptoms that occur together, causing pain in the upper abdomen, an uncomfortable feeling after eating, or feeling full after not eating much. Fortunately, with a little planning you can prevent these problems from spoiling your holiday.

Heartburn

Heartburn can result from a number of factors including stress levels, the type and amount of food you eat, the quantity of alcoholic beverages consumed, and even lying down too soon after eating.

If you are prone to heartburn, try the following tips:

• Avoid spicy foods, foods that are fatty and fried, mustard, tomato products, citrus fruits, peppermint, chocolate, and other foods that you notice trigger your heartburn symptoms.
• When you are thirsty, choose water and avoid (or at least limit) alcohol, liquids that contain caffeine, and fizzy beverages such as soda pop.
• Pay attention to portion sizes. Eat smaller amounts spaced apart rather than filling a large plate with food and eating it all at once. This will help prevent stomach acid from building up and flowing back up into your esophagus.
• Don’t nap right after eating. Lying down soon after eating can increase heartburn symptoms.
• Try to eat at least two or three hours before bedtime, and elevate the head of your bed 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. Simply piling up pillows under your head is not enough. It is important to actually raise up the top of the bed frame.
• Ask your London Drugs pharmacist for help. We can check if your other medications might be causing your symptoms. We can also recommend or prescribe medications to prevent and treat your heartburn or upset stomach, too.

Indigestion

Indigestion is the name for a type of upset stomach that causes a variety of symptoms in your upper abdomen. Each person who experiences indigestion may have slightly different symptoms, but common ones include:

• Feeling full after eating only a small portion of your meal.
• A feeling of uncomfortable fullness that lasts longer than it should after a meal.
• Mild to severe pain or a burning sensation in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and the bellybutton.
• Nausea, the feeling that you need to vomit.
• Less common symptoms include belching and actually vomiting.

The steps that can help prevent heartburn can also help prevent indigestion. It can also help to wear loose clothing around your middle.

There are medications available to relieve indigestion. Some are available over the counter, but others require a prescription. These include antacids, H2-receptor antagonists (H2-RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or Helicobacter pylori therapy antacids, H2-receptor antagonists (H2-RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or Helicobacter pylori therapy.

During these busy holiday times you do not have to line up for a walk-in clinic or wait for a family doctor appointment.  Visit your local London Drugs pharmacist to assess your symptoms. Your pharmacist can offer tips for prevention, recommend non-prescription treatments, write prescriptions for medications, or refer you to a doctor for further follow-up if your symptoms are unusual or more serious.

For more information about what pharmacist prescribing services are available in your province, visit https://pharmacy.londondrugs.com/pharmacy-services/pharmacist-prescribing-services.

And remember, your London Drugs pharmacists are always happy to answer your questions.

GLP-1 agonists & diabetes

Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition and reach their target blood glucose levels through healthy eating and being physically active, but most also need either insulin or other medications to help lower their blood glucose to their target levels.

The first medication doctors often prescribe to control blood glucose, along with healthy lifestyle habits, is metformin. But for some people metformin does not work well enough to lower their blood sugar, or they are not able to take it because of side effects or other reasons.

Among the categories of other glucose-lowering medications for type 2 diabetes are GLP-1 agonists, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and these drugs differ in the way they are administered, including a daily oral tablet, a daily injection, or a weekly injection. Examples you may have heard of for diabetes management in Canada are semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), or liraglutide (Victoza®). There are also GLP-1 agonist products available in Canada that are designed specifically for weight loss, including liraglutide (Saxenda®) and semaglutide (Wegovy®).

GLP-1 agonists generally work by increasing your body’s response to blood sugar in the foods you eat. They affect two hormones created in your pancreas. They increase insulin release (a hormone that helps lower blood glucose by moving it out of your blood stream and into your cells to be used for energy), and they decrease glucagon release (a hormone that raises blood sugar). These medications also slow the emptying of your stomach into your intestines, so you feel full longer, less glucose is released from the foods you eat, and your appetite is suppressed.

Drugs in this category have gained a lot of attention, because of their side effect of relatively fast weight loss. Some sources claim up to 20% body weight loss per year. But all medications have potential side effects. Read on to learn more.

WHO SHOULD TAKE GLP-1 AGONISTS?

The decision about which diabetes medications are best for you depends on a number of factors, including your blood glucose readings, your symptoms, and other health problems you may have.

While GLP-1 agonists are generally considered safe and effective, they are not right for everyone. Your doctor may recommend a GLP-1 agonist for you if:

• Metformin isn’t reducing your blood glucose level enough, or if it unsafe for you to use it.
• Your A1C level is higher than your target level.
• You haven’t reached your A1C goal (a measure of your three-month average blood sugar level)

and you have additional health conditions such as atherosclerosis (a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances on your artery walls), heart failure, or kidney disease.

BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medications, GLP-1 agonists can have both benefits and side effects. In addition to helping you manage your blood glucose, they may:

• Help you lose weight, which can help you manage your blood glucose
• Reduce your risk of heart disease and kidney disease
• Lower your blood pressure
• Improve the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in your blood
• Improve fatty liver disease
• Delay the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy (nerve damage)

When you begin the medication or your dose increases, the most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or vomiting. Starting on a low dose and increasing slowly can help with this. Other side effects may include dizziness, headache, indigestion, and infections. Some rare, but serious, side effects are also possible, such as inflammation of your pancreas, vision changes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), kidney problems, gallbladder problems, possible thyroid tumours, or serious allergic reactions.

Taking other diabetes medications along with a GLP-1 agonist may raise your risk of hypoglycemia. It is important to understand that the weight loss effects are usually only sustained while taking the medication, and the weight can return when the medication is stopped.

While taking a GLP-1 agonist, you should see your healthcare provider regularly to assess how well the medication is working. You should also contact your provider if you:

• Develop bothersome symptoms
• Don’t think it is working to manage your diabetes
• Are thinking about stopping the medication
• Become pregnant or are thinking about getting pregnant

ARE GLP-1 AGONIST MEDICATIONS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Managing diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all plan. Treatment will vary from person to person depending on many factors. If you are considering a GLP-1 agonist medication, like Ozempic, you may want to discuss the following with your healthcare team:

• How close am I to reaching my A1c goal? Could a GLP-1 agonist help me meet that goal?
• How does a GLP-1 agonist differ from the medicines I am currently taking to manage my diabetes?
• What kind of benefits and side effects can I expect?
• What dosage form is right for me? Injection or tablets? Weekly or daily?
• Am I covered on a provincial or private insurance plan for this type of medication?

If you have any questions about managing your diabetes or about any of the medicines you take, your London Drugs pharmacists are available to guide you.

If you’ve ever travelled to a distant country, chances are you suffered from jet lag. Jet lag makes it hard to sleep when traveling across time zones, especially when going east. The more time zones you cross, the worse jet lag can be. Everyone has an internal body clock that keeps track of day and night. When this clock doesn’t match your destination time, you might feel sleepy during the day or have trouble sleeping at night. This is jet lag.

Studies show that about 70% of international travelers experience jet lag either “fairly often” or “always”. While there’s no clear link between gender and age, older adults might have fewer problems with jet lag. Several treatments can help people adjust faster to their destination time; these are listed below.

1. Melatonin – This natural sleep aid is available over the counter. A dose of 3mg to 5mg taken 30 minutes before bed usually works well, and regular tablets might work better than slow-release ones. You can take it for up to 5 days after arrival. While it has few side effects, check with a doctor before giving it to anyone under 18 years old. Consult with a pharmacist to make sure it is safe for you if you take other medications or have medical conditions.
2. Prescription drugs – While sleep medications are available, we don’t recommend them for most people. They can cause daytime drowsiness, be addictive, and affect memory.
3. Light therapy – This helps you feel more awake. You can spend time outdoors in bright sunlight or use a light box (SAD Light). For light boxes, 3000-5000 lux is usually enough. Natural sunlight is usually over 10,000 lux.
4. Caffeine, either in tablets or coffee, can help an adult stay awake when needed. Check with a pharmacist to determine if caffeine tablets are safe for you, especially if you take other medications or have medical conditions.

Here are some tips to manage jet lag.  Mobile apps can also help you time these treatments.

• Try to eat meals at local times, like having dinner at night in your new time zone. Avoid exercise right before bedtime.
• For trips less than 3 days, there isn’t much time to adjust. You might want to stay on your home time instead of changing to the local time, but this isn’t always possible if there is a large time difference.
• For trips longer than 3 days, try to stay awake and sleep at specific times. For example, if you are:
  • Flying East up to seven time zones (like Vancouver to London), try getting up one hour earlier and going to bed one hour earlier each day, starting 3 days before leaving. After arrival, take melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor to make sure melatonin is safe for you.
  • Flying east more than seven time zones (like Vancouver to Paris), seek morning light at your destination and avoid bright light in late afternoon or evening for the first few days.
  • Flying west, try to stay awake using bright light until bedtime, but no later than 11pm. Melatonin isn’t usually needed unless you cross more than 12 time zones (like Vancouver to Mumbai).

If you use insulin, you might need to adjust your mealtime and bedtime doses. This depends on your type of insulin. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about this. Remember to check your blood sugar levels more often, as your diet will likely change while traveling.

Before starting any new medication or supplement, even if it’s natural, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the product and dosage are safe and suitable for you. You can also reach out to your London Drugs pharmacist by phone if you have any questions while you’re away.

Enjoy your trip!

1. Diabetes Canada. (n.d.). Air travel. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.diabetes.ca/learn-about-diabetes/your-rights/air-travel

2. Cathy A. Goldstein. MD. (n.d.). Jet lag. UpToDate. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/jet-lag

If you recently received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (the most common form of the condition), you are probably wondering how your life will change and what you need to learn to stay as healthy as possible and prevent complications. The first thing you need to do is to learn as much as you can about diabetes and how to reduce your risk of complications. Here are some key factors that affect diabetes management that should be on your list of things to learn about.

Nutrition: What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat it play an important role in managing your blood sugar (also known as blood glucose).

Physical Activity: Getting regular physical activity helps lower blood glucose levels, control weight, improve fitness, and relieve stress.

Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is very important in managing type 2 diabetes and improving health outcomes.

Stress Management: Learning how to manage your stress in healthy ways will make it easier for you to manage your diabetes. Healthy options include speaking with a counsellor, practicing meditation or mindfulness, engaging in yoga or tai chi, or exercising.

Blood Pressure Management: People with diabetes should generally try to keep their blood pressure below 130/80 to reduce risks of eye disease, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Medication Management: Some people with prediabetes or mild early type 2 diabetes may be treated with changes to diet and physical activity alone, but many people require oral medications, insulin, or other injectable medicines to control their blood glucose level. It is common for people with diabetes to be prescribed a combination of medications to lower blood glucose plus others to prevent complications due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions.

Blood Glucose Testing: Measuring and tracking your blood glucose level is a critical step in managing diabetes. When blood glucose is high, the risk of damage to your blood vessels and organs increases. Knowing how different factors affect your blood glucose will let you and your healthcare team know when you may need to make changes to your diet, activity level, or medications to help you achieve your target glucose levels.

This may seem overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. There is a whole team of health professionals available to help you learn what you need to know to lead your healthiest life.

YOUR DIABETES TEAM

In addition to your doctor, and possibly an endocrinologist, there is a team of healthcare professionals who will work together to help you, and each has a particular area of expertise.

 Pharmacist: Your London Drugs pharmacists are an important part of your team and are the most accessible healthcare professionals. They are available to answer questions about your diabetes or other medical conditions, usually without an appointment, even in evenings or on weekends. Pharmacists are medication experts and will help you understand the purpose of your medications and how to take them. They can work with your doctor to manage your medications to reduce side effects and improve efficacy. Other members of the pharmacy team can teach you about blood glucose monitors and insulin delivery devices and how to safely dispose of used needles or testing supplies.

Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE): London Drugs CDE pharmacists have additional specialty education to help patients learn about and manage their diabetes. They can help patients develop an overall diabetes care plan, manage medications for effectiveness and address any concerns, adjust insulin doses, advise how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), plus they can provide advanced training on blood glucose monitoring devices. Talk to your pharmacist to find out if this service is available in your area.

Dietitian or Nutritionist: Food and diet experts can teach you how different types of foods can affect your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health. They can provide meal plans or guidelines for healthy eating choices and timing of meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about how to contact a dietician or nutritionist in your area.

Podiatrist: People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in detecting and treating foot and lower leg problems such as nerve damage, joint problems, blood vessel damage, and infections. Diabetes can cause reduced blood flow or nerve damage that can lead to infections that don’t heal. Be sure to have any foot concerns looked at immediately.

Optometrist: Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels of your eyes, leading to impaired vision, cataracts, glaucoma, or other problems. Schedule regular screening appointments with your eye doctor to reduce your risks.

Dentist: People with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease and cavities. Regular checkups and cleanings are important for everyone.

Others: Depending on your needs, other specialists and service providers may be added to your team. Be sure to inform each member of your team who else is involved in your care so they can work together to help you succeed in your health goals.

If you have any questions about diabetes prevention or treatment for yourself or for a loved one, speak to your London Drugs pharmacist. We are here to help you anytime.

Throughout our lives, our body keeps our bones strong by replacing old bone cells with new bone cells, but as we age this process slows down and we gradually lose more bone than we make. When bone loss occurs more rapidly than normal, bones become thin and weak, a condition called osteoporosis. When bones are severely weakened, something as simple as a fall from standing height can lead to a cracked or broken bone (called a fragility fracture), which can cause disability and sometimes even lead to death.

WHAT IS YOUR RISK?

To prevent osteoporosis and the consequences it can cause, it is important to understand what your risk of thinning bones is. This is analyzed in several ways. A bone mineral density (BMD) scan is a painless test performed at an imaging lab that measures the density of your bones. It can tell whether you have osteoporosis now or how likely you will be to develop it in the future. Doctors often combine the results of a BMD test with an assessment of your risk factors to provide a more accurate way of predicting your risk of a fracture.

There are two tools available to help doctors make this assessment. THE CAROC TEST considers your BMD test score along with your age, gender, fracture history, and steroid use to determine your risk of a fracture within the next ten years. THE FRAX TEST takes into account the same factors as the CAROC test, but it also looks at your BMI (weight-to-height ratio), if you have any health conditions that contribute to bone loss, if either of your parents had a hip fracture, if you are a smoker, and how much alcohol you consume. Because it includes many more risk factors than the CAROC test, the FRAX test can be used without a BMD score.

REDUCE YOUR RISK

Adopting certain healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent, delay, or reduce bone loss, which can offset the complications associated with osteoporosis.

Here are some helpful pointers:

EXERCISE: Regular physical activity that involves resistance training along with weightbearing aerobic exercise can help build and maintain bone strength. Exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi that focus on balance can help people who are at risk of falling.

CALCIUM: This mineral is essential for healthy bone development. Good sources include dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, and legumes such as soybeans and chickpeas. If you don’t get enough calcium from your diet, calcium supplements might be a good choice for you and are available as liquid, chewable tablets, gummies, or regular tablets. Most adults require 1000mg to 1200mg of calcium per day. A cup (250mL) of milk, ice cream, or yogurt or 2 ounces (60g) of cheese contains about 300 mg of calcium.

VITAMIN D: The body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium, so it is important to make sure you get enough of it. Sun exposure can help our bodies naturally produce our own vitamin D, but in northern countries like Canada, adding vitamin D from food or supplements is often required to ensure we get enough. In Canada, cow’s milk and margarine must be fortified with vitamin D. It can also be found in some fortified beverages including milk-alternatives and some orange juices, fatty fish such as salmon, fish liver oils, and egg yolks. Adults 50 years and over require 800 IU to 2000 IU of vitamin D per day. Vitamin D supplements are available as concentrated drops, chewable or regular tablets, tablets that dissolve under your tongue, gummies, and liquids.

TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS

If you have a high risk of fracture, your doctor will probably recommend treating your osteoporosis with medication in addition to making healthy lifestyle choices. Medicines used to treat osteoporosis fall into two main categories that either slow down the removal of old bone cells or increase the formation of new bone cells. Some osteoporosis drugs are taken by mouth; others are injected under the skin or delivered by IV infusion into a vein. Your healthcare team, including your pharmacist, can discuss each medication and help you decide which treatment and prevention plan is best for you.

Measuring blood sugar (blood glucose) levels is one of the most critical things people with diabetes can do to manage their condition and prevent complications. Testing is especially important for people at risk of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

Glucose is the source of energy used by your brain and your body to function properly. If there is not enough glucose circulating in your blood, you can experience unpleasant or even dangerous consequences. Glucose levels that are too high (called hyperglycemia) can lead to complications including cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, damaged organs, foot sores, problems with your bones, loss of vision, and tooth and gum infections. Low blood glucose levels (called hypoglycemia) can be very serious as well. Complications can include a reduced ability to think, learn, remember, and make decisions but it can also

lead to passing out, coma, or even death in some cases. Repeated episodes of low glucose can also cause a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness, in which you become so used to the symptoms that you don’t realize that what you are feeling is due to low blood glucose. When this happens, your brain may not work properly, and you could have a seizure or lose consciousness. This is a dangerous situation and must be treated right away.

WHO IS LIKELY TO HAVE LOW BLOOD SUGAR?

Low blood sugar is more common in people with diabetes who use insulin or take certain other diabetes medicines like glyburide, glimepiride, or glipizide. Combining these drugs with certain other medications can increase your risk. Ask your London Drugs pharmacist if you are at risk of hypoglycemia and make a treatment plan for what to do if it occurs. Other factors that make it more likely a person will experience hypoglycemia are being aged 65 or older, having had episodes of low blood sugar in the past, or having other health problems such as heart or kidney disease. Hypoglycemia can also be the result of not eating enough food, not eating on schedule, drinking alcohol, and engaging in unplanned physical activity. People taking insulin are particularly at risk of hypoglycemia if they mistakenly use more insulin than they need.

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from hypoglycemia. The first step is to know the warning signs of low blood sugar and watch for them. You may be experiencing mild to moderate hypoglycemia if:

• You are dizzy, lightheaded, confused, or irritable
• You are hungry
• You are tired
• You feel jittery or shaky
• You are unable to see or speak clearly
• You have a headache
• Your heart is beating too fast or is not beating steadily

When low blood glucose occurs during sleep, you may cry out, have nightmares, or sweat enough to make your pajamas or sheets damp. When you wake up, you may feel tired, irritable, or confused. When your blood sugar drops very low, your brain may not work properly, and you may have a seizure or lose consciousness. This is a dangerous situation and must be treated right away.

TREATING HYPOGLYCEMIA

Speak with your healthcare team before you experience a hypoglycemic episode so you will know what to do if it happens to you, and make sure you always have a glucose monitor to test your blood sugar level and the appropriate remedies with you. It is important to treat low blood sugar by bringing your glucose level up right away. For mild to moderate hypoglycemia, start by eating or drinking 15 grams of fast-acting sugar. Liquid sources will work faster than solids. Good choices for an adult include:

• 4 or 5 glucose or dextrose tablets (available for purchase at a pharmacy)
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of sugar dissolved in water
• 2/3 cup (150 mL) of juice or a regular (not sugar-free) soft drink
• 6 Life Savers® candies or 2 rolls of Rockets Candy®

These amounts may not be appropriate for a child. Anyone at risk of hypoglycemia should always have an emergency form of glucose available to use if they are not able to swallow or are unconscious. If the person becomes sleepy or sluggish or if the person is unconscious, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency service and begin treatment immediately. Fast acting treatments include Glucagon nasal spray or injection, or glucose gel applied to the inside cheek of their mouth. Be sure that all household members and caregivers know how to use these in an emergency.

After attempting to treat hypoglycemia, wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood glucose level. Generally, the goal is a blood glucose reading of 3.9 mmol/L or above if your next meal is within an hour. If after 15 minutes your blood sugar is still below 3.9 mmol/L, consume another 15 grams of fast-acting sugar and retest your blood glucose again 15 minutes later.

Once your glucose is above 3.9 mmol/L you need to eat. If your next meal is more than an hour away, eat a starchy snack (such as one slice of bread or seven crackers) and some protein (such as one piece of cheese or two tablespoons [30 mL] of peanut butter) to help keep the blood glucose in range. Do not eat protein or fat until your sugar is in range, as it slows the absorption of glucose. If you need to go somewhere by car, wait until your blood sugar level is above 5 mmol/L before driving, or let someone else drive. It can take up to 40 minutes for your brain to function normally again, so you can drive safely. Hypoglycemia may be frightening to think about, but with some planning you can respond quickly to avoid dangerous consequences.

Always have your treatments on you, and make sure that those with you know how to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to help you in an emergency. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you know if your medications put you at risk of hypoglycemia and have a clear plan ready to execute if needed.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Canada, but it’s the most common cancer among women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Fortunately, 82% of breast cancer cases in women are diagnosed early, increasing the likelihood of survival. In fact, nearly 90% of women in Canada survive for at least five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. Much of this positive survival rate is due to screening for the disease.  Not only does breast cancer screening increase survival, it provides other benefits as well. When breast cancer is detected early, it can mean less treatment and a shorter time recovering,

What exactly is screening?

Screening means checking for a disease before you show any signs of having that disease. In the case of breast cancer, this usually means examining your own breasts on a regular basis. If you note anything of concern, the next step is to consult your doctor to see if further testing is needed. Many doctors also perform a breast exam during a physical or pelvic exam appointment.

Your goal should be to start assessing your breast health before any warning signs appear, so it is important to begin your breast self-exams on a regular basis right away. This will help you to become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts, which will make it easier to spot any changes.

You should also be aware of the warning signs of breast cancer so you can watch for them. Although these changes can be caused by conditions other than cancer, if you discover any of them, you should see your doctor right away.  Warning signs include:

• Any change in the size or shape of your breast
• Flaky skin or redness on your breast
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin on your breast
• A new lump in your breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling in any part of your breast
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Pain in your breast

Mammograms

In addition to examining your breasts regularly, you should consider having a mammogram, a type of X-ray of your breast. Talk to your doctor to find out when and how often you should have this test.  In many regions you can also call your local mammography clinic or breast screening centre to book a mammogram without a doctor’s referral.

Breast cancer screening is recommended to begin at age 40 for most women, Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse individuals with no symptoms.

Individuals between the ages of 40 and 74 with a first degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who have had breast cancer, are almost twice as likely to develop the disease themselves. Because family history is a significant risk factor, annual mammograms are often recommended for this group. Additional screenings or genetic counselling may also be considered.

Individuals 50 to 74 years old without a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to continue to get a mammogram every 2 years. Once reaching 75 years of age, the recommendation may change to every 2 to 3 years or less.  A discussion with a health care professional will weigh the continued benefits and limitations of mammography.

The regulations surrounding mammograms differ somewhat from province to province, so you are encouraged to discuss having a mammogram with your healthcare provider to see if you would require a doctor’s referral to have a mammogram and how often you should undergo this screening procedure. You can also call your local mammography clinic if you have questions.

Breast and chest health for all genders

All individuals should also be mindful of their breast or chest health. Although male breast cancer is rare, it does occur. Each year in Canada about 220 males will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 66 will die from it.

The key take away

Everyone should regularly check their breasts or chest and consult a healthcare provider if they notice any changes, lumps or other unusual symptoms. Early detection can lead to better treatment options and improved health outcomes.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html

Who Should Screen? (bccancer.bc.ca)

Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too – BC Cancer Foundation

https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/screening

www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast/who-should-screen#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20at%20high,other%20pathogenic%20gene%20variant%20carrier

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medical-tests/breast-self-examination#:~:text=Lumps%20or%20changes%20also%20may,higher%20risk%20of%20breast%20cancer.

www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/health-professionals/breast

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer.html

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tv8455

https://www.cbcn.ca/en/male_bc#:~:text=Male%20breast%20cancer%20is%20rare,will%20die%20from%20the%20disease.

https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/find-cancer-early/get-screened-for-breast-cancer/benefits-and-limitations-of-screening-for-breast-cancer#:~:text=Early%20detection%20of%20breast%20cancer,better%20your%20chance%20of%20survival.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/about/pac-20384806