Mr. Speaker, breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, which impacts more than just the patients. It also impacts their families, friends and communities.
We know early detection and treatment saves lives. Leading experts, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Dense Breasts Canada, Breast Cancer Canada and the Canadian Association of Radiologists, are all calling on the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to revise its guidelines to start breast cancer screening at age 40 and to extend it past age 75.
I thank all the brave women who are publicly sharing their journeys with breast cancer. They are not only raising awareness but also helping tackle the stigma associated with women’s health. I also want to give a special shout-out to my friend Pam Cholak and tell her to keep on fighting. She makes the world a better place.
I would say to all the ladies out there who are putting off getting a mammogram that they should talk to their doctor today. I would tell anyone out there in a battle with breast cancer to keep fighting. We are all cheering for them.
Not today, cancer.