IN MINUTES

SIGNS
A typical fullness, or change in shape of breast

News and events visually

The facts on breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month

23,400
Fat

STAGES
Stage 0
5-year survival rate: 100% Abnormal or precancerous cells are found in the lining of the milk lobules or ducts. The abnormal cells have not spread into nearby breast tissue.

Muscle
A lump in the breast

Estimated number of women in Canada that will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.

(pectoralis major)

5,300
will die from it

Stage 1
5-year survival rate: 98% Cancer cells have spread into the breast tissue, but not spread beyond the breast. The tumour is no more than 2 cm across.

Skin dimpling or changes in skin colour/texture

Lobes Ducts Dilated section

(to hold milk)

Nipple

On average, number of Canadian women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week.

450

Stage 2
5-year survival rate: 88% The tumour is 2 cm or less and has spread to a small number of lymph nodes, or the tumour is 2-5 cm, but is not at the lymph nodes.

On average, number of Canadian women that will die of breast cancer every week.

102

28%
Rib cage
Clear or bloody discharge from nipple

RISK FACTORS
Cancer cells may start within the ducts, which is the most common form (ductal carcinoma) or in the lobules (lobular carcinoma).
Weight: Being obese or overweight Diet/lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat and more than two alcoholic drinks per day Family history: A family history of breast cancer particularly a mother or sister 65+ Age: Most women diagnosed are aged 65+

most severe

Percent of all new cancer cases in women, 2011

Stage 3
5-year survival rate: 56-49% The diameter of the tumour may be smaller or larger than 5 cm, but has spread to the lymph nodes. The nodes start sticking to each other or to the surrounding tissue.

Stage 4
5-year survival rate: 16% Regardless of the tumour size, the cancer cells have spread to the lungs, liver, brain, bones or other parts of the body.

Change in nipple, like pulling in of the nipple

SUSAN BATSFORD, GRAPHICS EDITOR, TWITTER @SBATS1; ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEGAN DINNER/QMI AGENCY