It’d be nearly impossible to find a woman who has never heard of breast cancer. But many don’t think they need to worry about breast health until they’re in their 50s. While the risk does increase with age, according to a recent article in the Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 18% of breast cancer is diagnosed in women under the age of 50.¹
One young woman and prominent Calgary figure is using her voice to raise awareness about the risk of breast cancer at any age, and to encourage all women to take an active role in their breast health.
Meet Matalyn Schall
Matalyn Schall is a 15 year-old high school student and the 2022 title winner of Miss Junior Teen Calgary. As a little girl, Matalyn dreamed of having a positive impact on the world by becoming a scientist. But through extracurricular activities like pageants, Matalyn realized she can make a difference right now. Today, she’s using her confidence, leadership skills and public speaking abilities to bring awareness to issues she cares about.
“Miss Junior Teen Calgary isn't just about winning the pageant,” she says. For Matalyn, the competition is about having an opportunity to connect with and benefit her community.
Matalyn’s connection to early breast cancer detection
Breast cancer is an issue Matalyn holds very close to her heart. Her great-grandmother passed away due to the illness many years ago. Matalyn often wonders if the outcome would have been different if her great-grandmother had access to the options available today. That’s why Matalyn’s decided to position her platform around the early detection of breast cancer.
Since her pageant win in April 2022, Matalyn has devoted her time to learning about breast cancer research and detection methods, and being active in the community. And during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2022, Matalyn hosted a fundraising event she called A Perfectly Pink Afternoon which featured a silent auction, speakers, live performances, food and photo opportunities. Matalyn hopes it will raise $10,000 for breast cancer charities.
Syantra: A serendipitous discovery
Matalyn learned about Syantra while planning her event and couldn’t believe her eyes. She was immediately impressed by their blood test that can detect breast cancer and learned a lot about the gaps in current detection methods.
For example, in Canada, women under the age of 50 are not typically referred for screening. With 18% of breast cancers occurring in women under 50, unfortunately, many women are detected too late.
“I thought to myself, this is incredible. The blood test technology gives younger women the opportunity to access breast cancer screening,” says Matalyn. “So I thought, ‘why isn't this absolutely everywhere?’”
Connections formed with a common goal
Matalyn quickly reached out to the company to learn more. She was invited to tour the Syantra lab in northwest Calgary with Dr. Tina Rinker and Bob Shepherd, the company's co-founders, to learn about the technology.
Matalyn was so inspired by the visit that she invited the Syantra team to her Perfectly Pink Afternoon event.
Matalyn is looking forward to continuing to use her Miss Junior Teen Calgary title to bring awareness to the importance of regular breast cancer screening and early detection.
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¹ DeSantis, C.E. et al., 2019. Breast Cancer Statistics CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 69: 438.
