Availability: Local

This check can be done by the individual or their primary healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. While these checks may be included in routine physical exams, they typically occur only once every year or two—leaving significant gaps between assessments.

An advantage of performing your own breast exam is that you can do it every few months, allowing you to detect any new lumps early for prompt evaluation. However, a challenge is that breasts naturally have some lumpiness, which can make it difficult to distinguish between normal and abnormal changes. If you're unsure or discover a lump, scheduling an appointment with your primary healthcare provider for a professional assessment is always a good idea.

Availability: North Bay, Sturgeon Falls

This is the primary screening tool for breast cancer, but it is also used for diagnosis after detecting a lump or for ongoing monitoring. During the procedure, the breast is compressed between two plates while an X-ray is taken. If any areas of concern are identified, additional imaging may be required for further evaluation.

Screening mammograms are available through the Ontario Breast Screening Program, while diagnostic mammograms for specific concerns are conducted at hospital radiology departments and must be ordered by a primary care provider.

For individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer or a relative who has tested positive for a breast cancer gene, high-risk screening options may be available. Your primary caregiver can put in a referral if you meet the criteria.

If you are between 40 and 74 you can book your breast cancer screening appointment by calling one of the following locations:

• North Bay Regional Health Centre
• West Nipissing General Hospital - Sturgeon Falls

Availability: Sudbury

Some breast cancers can be related to a familial or genetic mutation. Genetic testing could help identify these mutations, this information can then be used to reduce your risk of future breast cancer, or reduce the risk of breast cancer in your close family members. There are strict criteria for who is screened. This is done by a referral from your family doctor, surgeon or oncologist. Our center is the Northeastern Ontario Medical Genetics Program in Sudbury.

Availability: Local

North Bay General Surgery has specialists who perform breast cancer surgery as well as oncoplastic surgery, which helps improve the breast's appearance after a lumpectomy. Some reconstruction options are available locally at the time of the initial surgery, and your surgeon will discuss these options with you. If more complex reconstruction is needed, a referral to a plastic surgeon can be arranged through your local surgeon or primary care provider.

Availability: Remote - Sudbury or larger centres

Plastic surgeons do general plastic surgeries and breast reconstructions post breast cancer. There is no time limit to getting the reconstruction done and it is fully covered by OHIP. You can self-refer. 

Currently, we do not have a plastic surgeon in North Bay

Availability: Sudbury

Radiation therapy treats breast cancer by using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. This is done externally, and preparation involves a mapping session where the treatment area is precisely marked. A custom gel mold is created to ensure consistent positioning, and small tattoo dots are placed in four locations to guide accuracy.

Radiation therapy is available in Sudbury at the Northeastern Ontario Cancer Centre. Your primary care provider or surgeon will refer you to a radiation oncologist, who will assess whether treatment is necessary and determine the number of sessions required. Treatments are typically short, lasting 15-30 minutes, and are scheduled Monday through Friday for several weeks, with weekends off. Patients can choose to travel daily or arrange accommodations in Sudbury. If an appointment is missed due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, the session will simply be rescheduled at the end of the treatment plan.

Availability: North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, New Liskeard, Sudbury

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells by targeting rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. While effective against cancer, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to potential side effects.

Most types of chemotherapy circulate through the bloodstream, allowing the drugs to reach and destroy cancer cells, including those that may have spread beyond the primary tumor. For more detailed information, visit Cancer.ca.

If chemotherapy is recommended, you will be referred to the Northeastern Ontario Cancer Centre in Sudbury to see an oncologist—a doctor specializing in chemotherapy. They will determine if treatment is necessary and which type would be most beneficial. Chemotherapy is typically administered at the closest available hospital, including those in North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, New Liskeard, and Sudbury. Treatment schedules vary, but most patients receive therapy every 1-3 weeks, with each session lasting about four hours. In many cases, a PICC line is required for treatment.

Getting your body ready for surgery and treatment may help speed your recovery. Even a few weeks of moderate exercise and strength training prior to surgery or treatment can help speed up and improve your recovery. 

There are no specific foods that should be avoided once you have a diagnosis of breast cancer. Eating a well balanced diet will help support your body through treatment and recovery.

Smoking while undergoing treatment will increase your risks of complications, such as infections, and poor wound healing. There are numerous supports available to help you quit smoking prior to surgery or treatment.

Ask your specialist or family doctor if they know of a breast cancer survivor that would be willing to be your peer support. There are lots of survivors that would love a chance to help but are not officially part of any programs.

Comraderie - Courage -Commitment - Compassion

The team’s vision  is to demonstrate the physical and mental benefits of exercise for breast cancer survivors in living a full and active life. The team is primarily about fitness after cancer but are very open to helping other breast cancer patients. It's always worth making contact to see what support can be offered and if someone on the team is a close enough match to your circumstances and cancer  to help answer questions.

This is a safe space where you can connect, learn and share your stories with people with similar experiences with cancer.

Phone: 1-800-263-6750

Supportive Care Program: (705) 522-6237 ext. 2175 or 1-877-228-1822 ext. 2175

It is common to have pain and decreased mobility in the shoulder following breast surgery. It is very important to get that arm moving early to avoid long term issues with stiffness and pain. Your breast surgeon will often provide a booklet of simple exercises to help with treating this. The booklet can also be found in the following link.

A physiotherapist can help guide you through the recovery period. Sometimes it’s hard to know when to push your body and when to give it some extra rest. They can also help you identify if you are starting to get lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition involving fluid buildup that causes swelling—often in the arms or legs—commonly following cancer treatments like surgery or radiation. Early detection and management are essential, as prompt treatment can reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and improve mobility. While not everyone will develop lymphedema, those at higher risk are encouraged to consult their care team and prepare in advance.

Special adapted clothing to help with recovery after surgery. Camisoles that have drain pockets,Mastectomy and lumpectomy bras, Mastectomy bathing suits. These can often be found at certified suppliers of breast prosthesis and supplies. Also see esthetics and clothing section. Link here

Donna Lee’s Mastectomy Services:

Specializing in Breast Prosthesis, full/partial, Mastectomy bras, and Recovery Care Garments. https://www.donnaleesmastectomyservices.com/

Robinson's Pharmacy:

Certified Mastectomy supply specialists, carry bras and recovery garments. Prosthesis, and lymphedema compression garments. 

https://robinsonspharmasave.ca/

Availability: North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, Online

Knitted Knockers are special handmade knitted breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Some women find traditional breast prosthetics too expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. Also traditional prostheses often cannot be worn for 6-8 weeks after surgery and need to be ordered. Knockers can be worn directly after your surgery.

Knitted knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Knitted knockers can also be used to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing.

Some women prefer to weight their knocker with a pebble or a small stitch in the bra to keep them in place.  The knitted knocker can also be used in your prosthetic bra or in a post-op camisole as a lightweight choice.

These are available for FREE. They are knitted with love by our community members.

See knittedknockerscanada.com for more information. Patterns and video tutorials are available on this website. These were developed and shared by knittedknockers.org 

North Bay:

knittedknockernorthbay@gmail.com: These volunteer knitters supply both the North bay hospital and general surgeon’s office free of charge. They are also happy to take custom requests. 

• North Bay General Surgery Office
• North Bay regional Health Centre Chemotherapy unit

Sturgeon falls:

• Buttons Quality Fabric and Yarn, Sturgeon Falls: They carry the yarn for knitting the knockers. They act as a collection point for the finished knockers and drop them off at the mammogram unit. They can be picked up for free at either location. 
• West Nipissing General Hospital: Mammogram unit

Online:

• Knitted Knockers Canada

Silicone breast prostheses have the advantage of weighing down the bra better and holding their shape well. They can’t be worn until you are fully healed, which often takes 6-8 weeks  and needs to be ordered specifically for you. See local locations to get advice and order them. You need to purchase them up front but the assistive device program refunds the cost.

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care ADP: 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program

First Nations and Inuit Health NIHB: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234517

Donna Lee’s Mastectomy Services

Specializing in Breast Prosthesis, full/partial, Mastectomy bras, and Recovery Care Garments. By appointment only.

Robinson's Pharmacy

Certified Mastectomy supply specialists, carry bras and recovery garments. Prosthesis, and lymphedema compression garments. 

“Experienced certified mastectomy fitters provide emotional support and expertise in fitting mastectomy products in a comfortable and private atmosphere. We will properly fit your breast form to your individual needs and lifestyle assuring your natural look, comfort and balance.

We are a registered mastectomy vendor for the Assistive Devices Program and Non-Insured Health Benefits. We provide bilingual service.”

Robinson's Pharmacy & Health Care Pharmacy: (Availability, Sudbury)

• https://robinsonspharmasave.ca/locations/robinsons-pharmasave/
• https://robinsonspharmasave.ca/locations/health-care-pharmacy/

Bras and bathing suites are only available at the Sudbury location. Once fitted, they can be ordered through Robinson’s Pharmacy, North Bay.

Cintra Mae’s Lingerie & Luxury: (Availability, North Bay)

Private, professional fittings for undergarments.

Location: 163 Main St. W., North Bay, ON, Canada, Ontario

Phone: (705) 474-1000

Email: cintramayslingerie@cogeco.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057683760429

There are individuals that sew custom bras. They can often make beautiful bras with the appropriate inserts to cover breast divots, uneven breasts and accommodate breast forms. These individuals generally have to be found through sewing shops, online or by word of mouth. Let us know if there is someone in your community currently doing this.

Availaibility: Online

The House of Bras: 

The House of Bras started with only bras, and quickly heard the urgent need for mastectomy products. Their mission is to help women look and feel their best! 

Website: https://the-house-of-bras.myshopify.com/collections/all

Brand New You Mastectomy Boutique:

Brand New You Mastectomy Boutique

has been serving the specials needs of

Breast Cancer Survivors in Thunder Bay and Region since 2001 with 

• Breast Prostheses
• Post-mastectomy bras
• Post-mastectomy swimwear
• Recovery Care

Website: https://www.brandnewyoumastectomyboutique.com/

Treatment and survivorship of breast cancer can affect one's sense of self and image; this can lead to issues with sexuality and intimacy in cancer patients and their partners. 

The links below contains books and websites dedicated to help cancer patients deal with these issues:

• Brochure - Intimacy and Sex: For people with cancer and their partners
• PDF - Pathfinder Series: Sex, Intimacy and Cancer 

The side effects of some breast cancer treatments can lead to changes in vagina, causing dryness and thinning. Some women experience pain or discomfort with sex and intimacy. Various treatments are available and should be discussed with your primary care provider or gynecologist. 

Additionally a pelvic floor physiotherapist may also be beneficial. 

• Symetrics Physiotherapy