Did you know that more than 212,000 Americans were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005? Thanks to heightened awareness, screening programs and earlier detection while the tumors are still small, the outlook for breast cancer patients has improved significantly.
Answer true or false to the following ten statements and test your knowledge about this too-common disease.
Having a family history of breast cancer means a woman will get breast cancer.
TrueFalseIncorrect. A family history of breast cancer is not a guarantee of getting the disease, however it does increase the risk. Approximately 10-15 percent of women with breast cancer have a first degree relative with the disease.
Correct! A family history of breast cancer is not a guarantee of getting the disease, however it does increase the risk. Approximately 10-15 percent of women with breast cancer have a first degree relative with the disease.
Any lump you can feel in the breast is cancerous.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Cysts and other benign masses like fibroadenomas can feel like a lump but they are not cancerous.
Correct! Cysts and other benign masses like fibroadenomas can feel like a lump but they are not cancerous.
Women who start their periods before age 12 are at more risk.
TrueFalseCorrect! Women who go through menopause after age 50 are also at slightly higher risk. This is because of increased exposure to estrogen.
Incorrect.Women who go through menopause after age 50 are also at slightly higher risk. This is because of increased exposure to estrogen.
Tiny bits of calcium found in the breast usually produce cancer.
TrueFalseIncorrect. However, calcifications can signal added risk.
Correct! However, calcifications can signal added risk.
Hormone replacement therapy puts women at higher risk for breast cancer.
TrueFalseCorrect! There appears to be a slightly higher risk for the disease for women who use hormones to relieve menopause symptoms as well as for those who have used birth control pills.
Incorrect. There appears to be a slightly higher risk for the disease for women who use hormones to relieve menopause symptoms as well as for those who have used birth control pills.
Alcohol intake has no bearing on breast cancer.
TrueFalseIncorrect. Women who have more than two alcoholic drinks a day are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease.
Correct! Women who have more than two alcoholic drinks a day are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease.
The most reliable way of diagnosing the disease is through biopsy.
TrueFalseCorrect! Tissue and cell samples may be taken in several different ways.
Incorrect. Tissue and cell samples may be taken in several different ways.
There are four distinct stages of breast cancer.
TrueFalseCorrect! Stage IV is the most serious.
Incorrect. Stage IV is the most serious.
Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy can be relieved.
TrueFalseCorrect! New antiemetics now offer improved relief from these side effects.
Incorrect. New antiemetics now offer improved relief from these side effects.
Frequent follow-up visits to the physician should continue for five years after treatment.
TrueFalseCorrect! Even after five years, breast cancer survivors should have annual examinations.
Incorrect. Even after five years, breast cancer survivors should have annual examinations.
