Yellowknife (Oct 24/03) - October is breast cancer month and the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging people to get the facts in order to recognize when something is wrong.

NWT RATE In 2000, 15 cases of breast cancer reported In 2002, there were 17 cases

In 2000, there were 15 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the NWT. In 2001 that number increased to 17 and remained constant in 2002, said Arlene Yaceyko, program co-ordinator at the Canadian Cancer Society.

"We will continue our efforts to encourage women to take action about their breast health," she said.

An effort made by the Stanton Territorial Hospital to do just that is the establishment of a formal breast-screening unit.

The pilot project is in its early stages. Marcia Campbell, project co-ordinator, said it will eventually be available to all women in the NWT.

"It's important to cite trends and changes," said Campbell.

"We will target the 50 to 69 age population for routine screening... but won't turn anybody away."

Detecting changes in the breast can be done through a mammogram, a clinical breast exam and a self-examination. Campbell said they will provide one of these three options for women.

If diagnosed, Sharon Cook, director of patient care services at Stanton, said patients are sent to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton to be examined by a cancer specialist.

They are often issued their first dose of chemotherapy treatment at the institute, based on tumor size, the number of lymph nodes involved and whether the tumor has spread to other organs.

The recipe is then sent to Stanton so further treatments can be issued.

"The results of the staging of the tumor will help the oncologist to decide if the patient would require radiation only, chemo only or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy," said nurse Dale Dunsford.

If radiation is required, the patient must remain at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Currently, there is no waiting list at Stanton for breast cancer patients requiring surgeries or chemotherapy treatments. A lumpectomy, breast resection and total mastectomy can all be performed there.

Breast cancer treatment is covered by NWT health care.

For residents in remote communities, medical travel is also covered.