by Marty Brown
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan24/97) - Every year more than 16,000 women will develop breast cancer. And one in nine will die.

These statistics aren't meant to frighten women, Canadian Cancer's Nazira Kassam told over 100 Yellowknife women in workshops last week, but forearmed is forewarned.

Although much is unknown about breast cancer, what is known is that early detection is the best way to beat it, she said.

Woman most at risk are between 50 and 69 years old and have a strong family history of breast cancer from both sides.

So far, there's no proof that ethnic origin, cosmetic implants, use of the birth control pill, alcohol or smoking, hormone replacement therapy, breast injuries or diet affects breast cancer.

But we have our suspicions, Kassam said.

The best way to detect breast cancer is by self-examination.

"Self-examination every month is a way of using your eyes and hands to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage," Kassam told the women. "Every women over 20 years old should do this."

Women over 50 should get a mammogram -- a low dose X-ray -- every two years.

"Some women don't want one because they heard it hurts. As long as women relax and book an appointment after their periods, it shouldn't be too bad," she said, adding that no one looks forward to going to the dentist, either.

Mortality rates are not decreasing because of mammograms. But more lumps are being found because there's more education for trained staff and advances in technology.

"There's more chance of any kind of cancer the older you get," she said.

Remember that 80 per cent of all lumps aren't cancerous, she said. But if you do find one, see a doctor immediately.

Woman who have any questions on how to examine themselves should talk to doctors or the Yellowknife Cancer Society, which has several videos and pamphlets available.

Last year 1,200 women from across the territories had mammograms at Stanton Regional Hospital.