Jenny Borgfjord, a MacGregor resident and Manitoba-based advocate for Dense Breast Canada (DBC), will lead a “Know your Lemons” breast health class at the Heartland Multiplex this Tuesday, May 14th. do. As a certified “Remonista,” this presentation marks another milestone in her efforts to provide people with the knowledge and resources to proactively manage their breast health. Borgfjord said her work is a testament to her own cancer experience and is driven by her commitment to bridging the gap between care and public awareness.
Last year, Borgfjord underwent treatment for early-stage breast cancer. She discovered the lump during her self-examination, which took place just a few weeks after receiving notification of a normal mammogram. She explains that the reading she did in response to her diagnosis made her realize that she was not alone in experiencing breast cancer and normal mammogram results. She learned about the risk factors that affect her case. This did not include having a family history of breast cancer. She also learned that images can be more difficult to interpret in dense breasts.
“Throughout my journey, I have done thorough reflection and research to ensure I understand what is happening to me. One of the key pieces of information I have learned is the complexity of dense breasts. When I started sharing my story publicly, I felt insecure about what people around me didn't know either.
Borgfjord began her advocacy efforts, first through email groups and then through her personal blog. When she was ready to share more widely, she took to social media. Hakuna Her Your Tatas is her Facebook page where she regularly posts about her own learning and experiences, all of which are conveyed with wit and humour. In January 2024, she connected with Densbreast Canada and the “Know your Lemons Foundation” (KYL). Borgfjord says her partnership has given her more tools to advocate and the means to reach a wider audience. “With the help of DBC and KYL’s resources and nearly 30 years of teaching experience, I aim to tailor my message using inclusive language and visuals to help information stick with my audience. It provides resources to help you revisit your learning and continue beyond the session. Plus, I like to think it's a bit funny!”
Borgfjord emphasizes that she is not providing medical advice, but patient voices.
“I keep saying 'be aware, not scare,' because this isn't about causing unnecessary fear. What I want is for people to be aware of the effects on their breast health. It's about understanding the complex factors that give you the ability to monitor your health and advocate for yourself with that information, especially when working with your health care provider. Masu. ”
Borgfjord said her advocacy also aims to encourage Manitoba to align its breast cancer screening guidelines and policies with current research and scientific evidence. “In Canada, we have the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC), which publishes clinical practice guidelines for family physicians on a variety of medical topics, but many organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society, Advocacy groups and groups are working. The Canadian Nurses Association recently withdrew its support for this task force on breast cancer because there are no breast health experts on the committee. These groups and many prominent doctors now advocate screening starting at age 40 and additional screening for people with dense breasts. Guidelines have been developed to create responsible medical care guidelines. Concern and Advocate for Change.
Borgfjord said most other Canadian provinces and territories with testing programs have lowered the testing age to 40. Losing her trust in her task force, she says those states didn't wait for updated guidelines. Despite this, Borgfjord reports that Manitoba breast cancer advocates have received written communication indicating that Manitoba will wait for updated guidelines from the task force before considering changes. This is worrying information for Borgfjord. “As a survivor of early-stage breast cancer, I can tell you that while I am grateful for the medical care I received, cancer and cancer treatment are grueling. For example, I have lymphedema due to radiation therapy and medications. Many treatments affect quality of life regardless of stage, but I can only imagine what the treatments for late-stage cancer are like. It makes more sense to focus on screening.”
To address this jurisdictional gap, Borgfjord co-presented on this topic with some Manitoba MLAs and communicated with health care decision makers to advocate for change. She is also active on social media, regularly tagging her associates and writing letters to MLAs and other elected officials.
Borgfjord said those attending upcoming presentations will have organized, detailed information as well as tools to monitor their breast health and participate in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers. It is said that it can be expected to be included in the She encourages those who are unable to attend but are interested in her “Know Your Lemons” breast health presentation to contact her online through her platform to set up an arrangement. She encourages everyone at risk of developing breast cancer to monitor their health. “No matter what advice you receive, continue regular breast self-exams and track your results. A paper diary can also be effective, or the Know Your Lemons Foundation will notify you without collecting personal data. We provide an app that teaches you how to perform the appropriate test and tells you what to do if you feel or see one of 12 signs of breast cancer. Read all about it and check your concentration. Learn what's normal for you and make it a habit to talk about your body parts with others.
There is a silver collection at the entrance and registration is required for Tuesday's presentation. For more information about participating, contact the Heartland Recreation Commission. The presentation begins at 7 p.m.
