October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging screening, and reminding women and men to know their bodies. For one local woman, the message is deeply personal.
Stonewall’s Shelley Proven is a breast cancer survivor today because she trusted her instincts and acted on something she felt during a simple self-exam.
“I felt it one night in bed so I discovered it myself,” Proven recalled. “I wasn’t worried because I had a normal mammogram, so I thought it was a cyst. After I thought about it for a few days, I realized I needed to go get it checked just to make sure.”
That decision changed her life. By the time she sought medical advice, doctors found two tumours measuring more than five centimetres.
Proven says she believes strongly in cancer screenings, since mammograms are far more effective than self-exams in detecting cancer early. At the same time, she stresses the importance of knowing your body and following up if something feels different — because that simple step can make all the difference.
Proven has carried her experience forward into advocacy and community involvement. Last weekend, she and her husband Ian led the Terry Fox Walk through Stonewall, an event that drew friends, neighbours, and supporters together in the fight against cancer.
“I was overwhelmed when so many people sponsored me,” Proven said. “I ended up raising $3,800. I’m just grateful that I’m here and able to celebrate as a survivor.”
For her, the walk was not only about fundraising but also about honouring the importance of perseverance and hope.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer death. In 2024, it was estimated that 29,400 women and 270 men would be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 5,400 women and 55 men would die from the disease.
The good news is survival rates are improving. Today, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is 89 per cent, thanks to advancements in treatment and the impact of early detection.
Health authorities recommend regular mammograms for women over 50, while those with higher risk factors may need to begin screening earlier.
At the same time, doctors encourage both women and men to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and to promptly report any changes to a healthcare provider. While a self-exam is not a substitute for screening, it can play a critical role between appointments. Proven’s own experience is a powerful example of why paying attention and acting quickly can save lives.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that the fight against cancer is collective. Communities rally around survivors, families grieve those lost, and researchers push for new breakthroughs in detection and treatment. Events such as the Terry Fox Walk continue to inspire both action and generosity.
For survivors like Proven, the month carries an added weight — but also an opportunity to encourage others to take their health seriously.
“Don’t ignore something new,” she said. “Trust your instincts and get it checked.”
This October, Canadians are urged to wear pink, support fundraising efforts, and most importantly, make time for their health — whether through a mammogram, a conversation with a doctor, or a monthly self-exam at home.
