Breast Cancer Support.

Breast Cancer Support.

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue. Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer). In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths (7% of cancer deaths; almost 1% of all deaths) worldwide. Among women worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. In the United States, breast cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer and colon cancer). In 2007, breast cancer is expected to cause 40,910 deaths (7% of cancer deaths; almost 2% of all deaths) in the U.S.

Among women in the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second- most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death. A U.S. study conducted in 2005 by the Society for Women's Health Research indicated that breast cancer remains the most feared disease, even though heart disease is a much more common cause of death among women.

Breast Cancer is a cancer that develops in the ducts and lobules of the breast. The breast cells start growing in an uncontrolled manner in this disease which leads to formation of lumps which may or may not be painful in the beginning. This can happen in both males and females, but the male breast cancer is rare. Breast Cancer is the fifth most common kind of cancer today.

The symptoms of Breast Cancer can be something like a lump or some swelling or some skin changes or no visible changes at all. There are no particular reasons as to who can get infected and who cannot get infected. It is more common in women, and being a woman in it self is a risk for developing Breast Cancer. One can always try to prevent this abnormality being eating the right diet, proper exercise, no smoking and keeping unstressed but this disease is never anyone’s fault.

This type of Cancer can be diagnosed through several ways like self Breast exam, clinical breast exam, Mammogram, breast ultrasound etc. While a small cancer may not be felt in the self exam, and on the other hand, every lump being felt in the breast may not be cancerous, so it is always better to get regular breast examinations done after the age of 40 years.

The treatment for Breast Cancer works on two goals- to remove the cancerous cells from the breast and to prevent the recurrence of the cancer. The treatment is done according to the need i.e. it could be done as a regional treatment where only the lymph nodes of the breast are directed, or it could be a systemic treatment which covers the body as whole or it could be an alternative therapy which includes both mind and body.

Recovery from this disease involves a careful understanding of the changes that the body has undergone and changing lifestyle accordingly starting from diet, to getting regular check ups and trying to keep the immune system safe. Apart from the various other factors, the love and support from family and friends also plays a major role in recovery from such a disease.


In 1988, Breast Cancer Support Services was formed by two women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Both women realized that there was a great need of support for women in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas. As a result, the two women decided to start the Breast Cancer Support Services organization.

BCSS is a self-help organization created by women for anyone who has concerns about breast cancer or general breast health. BCSS is also a truly unique organization as it is the only support centre in the Hamilton, Halton area which deals specifically with breast cancer.
BCSS is a volunteer-based centre. Our heart and soul is composed of the women and men who have already walked in the shoes of the newly diagnosed and who understand their need for compassion and support.

We provide current information and education on early detection, various treatment options and the many ways of learning to successfully manage the effects of breast cancer. Our goal, is to be encouraging, enlightening and empowering.

Our center is located at 695 Brant Street in Burlington. You can drop in, phone for support or utilize the free services offered at BCSS. In addition, we provide one on one support , or you can attend our support groups, experience one of our holistic services and programs, or you can simply visit our Serenity Garden which is designed for all Cancer survivors.