Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.

This month, ICBA Wellness shifts gears slightly, moving from mental health to cancer. Nearly 50% of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.

The Canadian Cancer Society says there are more than 100 different types of cancer, but (taking out non-melanoma skin cancer, for which specific stats aren’t reported) nearly half of all cases come down to four types:

  1. Lung
  2. Breast
  3. Colorectal
  4. Prostate

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian women (it can also occur in men; about 1% of all cases are in men). I think almost everyone knows someone who has fought breast cancer.

The CDC website recommends seeing a doctor if you have these signs or symptoms of breast cancer:

  • New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
  • Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
  • Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
  • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
  • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

If you feel something, get checked!

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.