Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Canada with 1 in 8 women expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. While it can also be found in men, male breast cancer is a very rare occurrence.

Why prevention matters

Women’s health needs are unique and evolve throughout life. From reproductive years through menopause and beyond, hormonal changes, genetic factors and lifestyle elements all influence cancer risk and overall wellness. Proactive care is crucial. Here’s why:

• Effective breast health screening extends beyond imaging alone. Clinical breast examinations performed during annual assessments can detect changes that may not be apparent, while providing crucial education about normal tissue variations and concerning symptoms.
  
  
• Breast health screening throughout your reproductive years is essential. Research shows that mammographic breast density—a significant risk factor for breast cancer—is highest during premenopausal years and decreases after menopause. Regular monitoring during your 40s and the perimenopausal transition allows for early detection when breast tissue changes are most significant.
  
  
• Your health is all connected. Hormonal changes, bone density, cardiovascular health and metabolic factors all influence your breast cancer risk and overall wellness. That’s why your comprehensive annual assessment consists of an extensive panel of screenings and tests, physical assessments and detailed questionnaires to provide a full picture of your health—thoroughly evaluated by our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, ensuring expert insights and personalized recommendations for your overall vitality.

Make your Preventive Health Assessment a yearly habit

Just as you schedule regular dental cleanings, annual Preventive Health Assessments should become a cornerstone of your healthcare routine. These thorough evaluations offer benefits that extend far beyond what any single screening can provide:

• Consistent monitoring creates a health timeline. Annual assessments allow your healthcare practitioner to track subtle changes over time and detect risk factors earlier.
  
  
• Personalized care evolves with you. Your risk factors, health status and screening needs change as you age. Annual assessments ensure your care plan evolves with you, providing targeted risk reduction strategies and appropriate specialist referrals when needed.
  
  
• Education and early intervention save lives. Each visit provides opportunities to learn about breast self-awareness and make informed health decisions. Clinical examinations can detect changes between mammograms, while comprehensive monitoring addresses the full spectrum of women's health needs—from hormonal changes during menopause to bone health and cardiovascular wellness.

Many individuals are eligible for reimbursement of preventive health assessments through their health insurance or employer benefits such as a health spending account or wellbeing account. Any remaining amount may be tax-deductible as a medical expense when filing income tax, depending on the services received.