Your risk of dying from breast cancer is slightly reduced if you have regular screening. However, regular screening increases your chance of a false positive result, a biopsy and having part or all of a breast removed unnecessarily.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends women between 50 and 74 years old who are not at high risk get screened for breast cancer every 2 to 3 years. Talk to your doctor about screening options if you are at high risk or over 74 years old.

This resource includes frequently asked questions about breast cancer, including: Who is considered high risk? What are the harms associated with mammography? and Why is routine screening NOT recommended for women 40-49 years?

Your chances of dying from breast cancer can be lowered by having regular screening. There are risks related to mammograms however, including false positives, unnecessary biopsies or surgery.

Women ages 50-74 should have a mammogram every 2 to 3 years, if they are not at high risk of breast cancer. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a mammogram if you are over age 75.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal bloating or pain, difficulty eating, or more frequent trips to the washroom. Taking oral birth control pills, having breastfed or been pregnant, and some surgical procedures could lower your risk of ovarian cancer.

Annual screening is not recommended for women at average risk for developing ovarian cancer, and may lead to false positive results. Instead, watch for physical changes like bloating or pelvic pain. Resource includes a short video.

Women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer should avoid ovarian screening. Ovarian screening can give false-positive results which can lead to unnecessary surgery. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and preferences before making a decision about cancer screening.

The evidence recommends that you do not use long-term hormone therapy to treat symptoms of menopause. Hormone therapy may reduce your risk of bone fractures but it can also increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, breast cancer and gallbladder problems.

Vaginal dryness can affect any woman but it is most common after menopause. Symptoms may include burning, itching, pain during sex and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatments include vaginal moisturizers, vaginal lubricants and vaginal estrogen. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which treatment might be right for you.

If you have a family history or personal history with specific cancers, you may be at an increased risk of developing them. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you are at high risk. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine your risk level.

The United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women over 40 talk to their doctor about the benefits and harms of getting a mammogram. Women between 50 and 74 should get a mammogram every two years. Check your local guidelines for more information.

Lower your risk of breast cancer by exercising, not smoking and eating healthy. Environment, some medications and estrogen exposure can increase your risk. Some of the things you cannot change about your risk are age, ethnicity, and family history.

Breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge and changes in breast skin are common breast problems. They can occur at all ages and for many different reasons. See your doctor if you develop any changes in your breasts.

The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend that women over the age of 65 get screened for cervical cancer unless they are at high risk or have not been screened before. Cervical cancer screening is not recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy and removal of the cervix.

Pap tests every 1-3 years are recommended for women over the age of 21 who have been sexually active. Talk to your doctor about whether you need a pap test if you are over age 69 or have had a hysterectomy. Learn about preparing for a pap test, the risks and results in this resource.

Women with diabetes have double the heart disease risk as men with the disease. Women with diabetes should take care to avoid heart health risks like obesity, high cholesterol and physical inactivity.

Breast cancer screening includes tests to find breast cancer at an early stage. The chance of dying from breast cancer has decreased over the past few years, partly because of screening. This resource reviews different types of screening, as well as how often to go.

Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for postmenopausal women.

Breast cancer found early can often be cured. This resource gives information about different breast cancer treatment options for premenopausal women.

Women with HER2 positive breast cancer tumours may benefit from chemotherapy and targeted treatment. Read about treatment options here and discuss your options with your doctor.

There is not enough research to deny hormone therapy to women who have had their ovaries removed. However, there may be an increased risk of returning pain and more surgery. More research is needed.

A Pap test screens for cervical cancer. It recommended that sexually active women 25-69 have one every 3 years. Screening is not recommended for those older than 70 if your last 3 Pap tests were negative.

This resource includes information about the Pap test and what an abnormal test result means.

Urinary incontinence is when you pass urine (pee) without meaning to. Treatment depends on the cause. Cut down on caffeine, avoid drinking late at night, lose weight if overweight, avoid constipation and ask your doctor about what might be causing incontinence.

Women who do pelvic floor muscle training are more likely to report being cured of urinary incontinence. It may also help with urine leaks.

Film and digital mammograms are not very different from each other. Both are just as accurate at detecting breast cancer.

Treatment options for breast cancer include medications, chemotherapy and surgery. Recent evidence shows the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin®) can reduce cancer progression by more than one third. Speak with your doctor about treatment options, talk to other patients about their experiences, understand the latest evidence on breast cancer treatments and use a decision aid (links in this resource).

The sudden feeling of warmth on the face, chest, neck, and other areas of the upper body is known as a hot flash. Hot flashes are often caused by menopause. Factors such as race, obesity, and smoking increase the risk of experiencing hot flashes. Treatment options include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and other prescription medications. Lifestyle changes such as keeping cool, avoiding spicy food, carbonated beverages, and alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can also help manage hot flashes.

Thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls is known as vaginal atrophy, and generally occurs after menopause due to decreased levels of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy is accompanied by urinary symptoms and painful intercourse. The term Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is used to refer to this combination of issues. Over-the-counter treatments, such as vaginal moisturizers or water-based lubricants, topical estrogens, and vaginal dilators are a few treatment options for GSM.

Estrogen protects bones. Estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decrease when a woman enters menopause. One cause of osteoporosis is decreased estrogen levels. To combat the development of osteoporosis speak with your health care provider about supplements, options for prescription medication and injectable bone-building agents, adding strength training to your exercise routine, and hormone replacement therapy.

Hot flashes and night sweats are common menopausal symptoms. Treatment and prevention strategies include staying cool, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, mindfulness, dietary supplements, and medication. Speak with your health care provider about the best options for you.

Ovarian cancer causes bloating, feeling full, and pain or pressure in the pelvic area. You might have a higher risk of ovarian cancer if you are over 50 are taking hormone replacement therapy, have endometriosis, or are overweight.

Menopause is defined as one year after a woman’s last menstrual period. Leading up to menopause, many women have symptoms like hot flushes, sweats, and changes to their period. Hormone therapy could help with symptoms.

Menopause is the completion of menstrual cycles. In the time leading up to menopause, you may have symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, or sleep problems. You should continue having regular appointments with your doctor during and after menopause.

Menopause is when a woman has not had her period for one year. Women can experience symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and trouble sleeping. Living a healthy lifestyle can help with symptoms. For severe symptoms, ask your doctor about medications.

Hormone therapy for menopause can help in the short-term to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sweats. Long-term hormone therapy is not recommended because of serious side-effects like increased risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer.

Natural alternatives to hormone therapy such as phytoestrogens and herbs are sometimes used to treat menopause symptoms, but not all are safe and some may be harmful. More research is needed.

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. Sip cold fluids, limit foods that trigger hot flashes, pace your breathing or try acupuncture. Try non-hormone options first and research the risks of treatment options such as hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy can treat menopause symptoms but may also increase your risk of cancer. It does not decrease risk of heart disease. Consider your medical history, preferences, and concerns when deciding if you will use hormone therapy.

A new guideline suggests that most healthy women do not need a pelvic exam every year. If you are pregnant or have symptoms (eg. pain), you may need more frequent pelvic exams. Decisions about having a pelvic exam should consider a woman's needs and preferences.

Women with cancer can now opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). This option is for women with cancer who choose to remove their healthy breast. Details about the pros and cons of this approach in this resource.

There is no conclusive research about how diet choices, exercise, relaxation techniques, herbal supplements or alternative therapies affect menopause symptoms. Use caution if you try herbal supplements and alternative therapies to treat menopause symptoms; some of these can have serious side effects.

Kidney infections require prompt medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you experience fever, back/side/groin/abdominal pain, frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, or pus or blood in your urine.

Breast cysts are common. Your doctor might recommend tests to make sure that the cysts are not cancerous. If the cysts are causing pain, try a well-fitting bra, warm or cool compresses, or over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. Your doctor might recommend aspiration to empty the cysts.

Uterine cancer is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 75 and 79. If uterine cancer is found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding past menopause, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the US. The death rate has declined, partly due to increased screening and improved treatment. When found and treated early it is often curable. This website gives information about diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

Behaviour therapies (or lifestyle modifications) can help improve bladder control problems. Avoid drinking too little or too much fluid and cut back on bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, acidic fruits). Some medications, excess weight, smoking and physical inactivity also affect bladder control.

Use pelvic floor muscle training to help prevent and treat urinary incontinence. Other types of treatments for urinary incontinence include bladder training, medicines and continence pessaries.

If you are between 50 and 74 years of age, you should have regular mammograms to test for breast cancer every 2-3 years. If you are over the age of 75, talk to your doctor before going for breast cancer screening.

Use this decision aid to help understand your choices about breast cancer screening, including the risks and benefits of mammograms.

Breast pain affects many women and is often caused by hormone changes. Breast pain is unlikely a sign of breast cancer. Choose a well-fitting bra, try hot or cold compresses, relaxation and pain relievers. Speak to your doctor if the pain persists or gets worse over time.

There are many causes of pelvic pain in women, including bowel, bladder, muscle and bone problems. Visit your doctor if you have recurring or severe pelvic pain.

Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections. Carry condoms with you and use them correctly. This resource includes frequently asked questions about using condoms.

Hormone therapy treatment does little to prevent heart disease in post-menopausal women, although the benefits might be greater for women who start sooner after menopause. It does increase risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment option.

Bladder control problems are common after menopause. Changes to your lifestyle (exercise, weight loss, limiting caffeine) can help. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Risks of breast implants include breakage, numbness in the breast or nipples, infection and the need for more surgeries. Breast implants may also delay detection of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor and understand the risks before you decide to undergo surgery.

Many common health risks for women (such as heart disease and stroke) are preventable. Choose a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure).

Get the HPV vaccine, limit your sexual partners and use a condom to lower your risk of vaginal cancer. Have regular pap tests and avoid smoking. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor about vaginal cancer.

Hormone therapy should only be used as a last resort for severe menopause symptoms and only for a short time.

Some herbs and supplements may help relieve symptoms of menopause by acting like estrogen, however much of the evidence to support these popular treatment options is lacking. Speak with your health care provider before trying a herb or supplement for menopause management.

The decision around whether or not to screen women under the age of 50 for breast cancer should be based on personal risk and context. Women aged 50 to 74 should receive regular breast cancer screening.

Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, sweats) will usually go away without treatment. Complementary medicines have not been proven to help. Lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. Talk to your doctor about whether hormone therapy is right for you.

Menopause can signal changes to a woman's sexual arousal and enjoyment. To help increase sexual response, practice non-sexual intimacy, share household chores, have planned intimacy and communicate.

Losing your hair can be traumatic. Cope with hair loss by trying to accept it and talking to others about it. Consider masking your hair loss with wigs and scarves, but avoid so-called "miracle cures". Talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be right for you.

Cervical cancer screening is used to find cervical cancer prior to symptom development. Early detection helps increase the chance of treatment being successful.

Hair loss can affect men and women and is more common as we age. Effective treatments include medications, surgery or laser therapy. Wigs or hairpieces are an alternative. See your doctor if you have sudden or patchy loss of hair.

Natural hormones are often used by women going through menopause, but are not always safe even though they are natural. Estriol, DHEA, melatonin and natural progesterone may help menopause symptoms but also have risks. Be skeptical of products which claim to slow aging.

Finding breast cancer early means a better chance for successful treatment and the cancer is less likely to spread. Mammograms are used as a breast cancer screening tool.