While homeowners meticulously maintain their living spaces, often investing significant resources into renovations and decor, one vital aspect frequently gets overlooked: personal health. This disconnect is particularly evident when it comes to breast health, a topic that Dr. Ify McKerlie, principal radiologist at Calgary Women's Imaging Centre, is determined to bring into everyday conversations.
Normalizing Breast Health Education
Dr. McKerlie believes breast education should be normalized and accessible outside clinical settings. "Breast cancer affects one in eight women," she reveals. "Something that most women find surprising is that 80 to 85 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease."
As a specialist in breast imaging, McKerlie witnesses daily how early detection can transform outcomes. "Recently, we've seen numerous breast cancer cases in women under 45, and more specifically under 40, 30, and even 20," she notes. "Considering that screening in Alberta doesn't begin until age 45, this trend is particularly concerning."
Rising Diagnoses in Younger Women
The reasons behind increasing breast cancer diagnoses among younger women remain unclear, but McKerlie emphasizes that awareness is critical. This urgency has inspired her to create Get Obsessed with Your Breasts, an innovative educational component at this year's Calgary Home and Garden Show.
"My goal is to inform people so they leave feeling empowered with knowledge to advocate for themselves and be proactive about their breast health," McKerlie explains. "Breast health isn't always considered a glamorous topic, but its importance cannot be overstated."
The Importance of Self-Examination
For women in their 20s and 30s who typically don't qualify for routine mammograms, regular self-examinations become one of the most effective tools for early detection. "Knowing what is normal for your body and understanding how your breasts feel helps you become more attuned to changes," McKerlie advises.
At the Home and Garden Show, McKerlie will host an interactive booth where attendees can:
- Ask questions directly to a medical professional
- Engage in one-on-one conversations about breast health
- Post questions to an interactive wall for later response on social media
"There's so much misinformation circulating, and women's health topics often get marginalized," she observes. "We need to have open conversations about breast health. I'm passionate about making this information visible and approachable so people feel confident advocating for their health."
Event Details and Schedule
Dr. McKerlie will present at the Calgary Home and Garden Show on Thursday, February 26 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. The show runs from February 26 through March 1 at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park, with operating hours as follows:
- Thursday and Friday: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are available online through the official Calgary Home and Garden Show website. This unique integration of health education into a home and garden event represents a significant step toward making crucial medical information accessible to the broader community.
