Preventing Breast Cancer with Dr. Toni Zhong

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I’m Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky. Welcome to Medsplaining.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This important month is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those impacted by breast cancer. 

I am deeply humbled by today’s guest: Dr. Toni Zhong. She is a true rockstar in the world of women’s health. She is the Clinical and Research Director of the University Health Network Breast Reconstruction Program here in Toronto, an Associate Professor in UofT’s Department of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, and a passionate advocate for breast health. Today, we will take a deep dive into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer, including the brand-new Ontario breast screening guidelines.

Find Dr. Toni Zhong on Instagram @drtonizhong

Quick 6:

1. What: Breast health and breast cancer.
2. Who: Breast cancer can affect anyone with breast tissue, including about 300 biological males in 2024, but it overwhelmingly affects women, with 84 women diagnosed every day in Canada.
3. Where: Breast cancer most often develops in the milk ducts or milk-producing glands of the breasts, and 50% of breast cancers are discovered in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, where the tissues are denser.
4. When: Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed when a woman is in her 60s, followed by her 70s and then her 50s. Although still relatively rare, women are being diagnosed increasingly in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
5. Why: Apart from age, the major risk factors for the development of breast cancer are:
   - Genetic mutations
   - Having fewer children
   - Having dense breasts
   - Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
   - Previous radiation therapy to the chest
   - Obesity
   - High-risk alcohol intake 
   -Smoking or vaping
6. How: How to get screened for breast cancer in Ontario: As of October 2024, women, including non-binary, trans and two-spirit people between the ages of 40 and 74 can self-refer for a mammogram every 2 years. No doctor's referral is required.

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