Local hair stylists join the fight against breast cancer as 'Breast Friends'

The early detection of breast cancer saves lives and local hair stylists have been sharing this message with their clients, as part of a pilot project co-sponsored by the Halton Region Health Department.

“As a result of this partnership effort, the project has just been awarded funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to continue for an additional two years,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Thanks to the efforts of local hairstylists participating in the “Be a Breast Friend” project, we are able to pass this important message on to many more women in Halton.”

The project is intended to raise awareness levels about breast cancer and encourage women to have breast screening on a regular basis. Women over age 50 should have a mammogram at least every two years.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Ontario,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton’s Medical Officer of Health. “Early detection of breast cancer improves treatment options and survival.”

The ‘Be a Breast Friend’ project, initiated by health units throughout central west Ontario, has been providing information to hair stylists about the importance of early detection of breast cancer through regular screening. The stylists then pass along the knowledge to their clients.

A number of salons have been displaying promotional materials about breast screening. The project also created and distributed to participating salons ‘Squeeze’, a glossy magazine about breast health that provides information about breast screening and cancer prevention messages.

This year in Ontario, an estimated 8,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 2,000 are expected to die of the disease. Women over age 50 account for eight out of 10 breast cancer diagnoses. Key risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a female and increasing age.

Breast screening is free for Ontario women age 50 and over by calling the Ontario Breast Screening Program at 1-800-668-9304. No referral from a physician is necessary to access the program.

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