breast cancer facts

Statistics state that more than 182,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, and more than 41,000 women died from the disease the same year.  As the numbers continue to grow, the question inevitably arises about how knowledgeable women are concerning the facts about breast cancer risk factors and early detection.  

The following brief survey may help you go up on the learning curve concerning important issues regarding breast cancer.

Answer True or False?  Award yourself one point for each correct answer.
 
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States.
Answer: True
It is the most common diagnosis after skin cancer. 

Caucasian women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than any other race, or ethnicity in the United States.
Answer: False. 
Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.  However, African-American women are more likely to die from the disease than are women of any other race, or ethnicity in the U.S.

Mammography is the most effective available method of detecting breast cancer in the early, treatable stages.
Answer: True
The U.S. Preventative Task Force suggests that women over 40 years old, or older have a screening every 1 or 2 years.

Research has identified several factors that may affect a women’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Answer: True
Fact: risk factors for breast cancer include: Personal history of breast cancer, Being overweight after menopause, Physical inactivity, Drinking alcohol, Use of oral contraceptives

It is estimated that more than 10 billion dollars a year is spent in the United States on breast cancer research.
Answer: False
7 billion dollars a year is spent on treatment of breast cancer in the United States, not research.

To help improve women’s access to screening for breast cancer, Congress passed an Act in 1990.
Answer: True
Congress passed the breast cancer and cervical cancer Mortality Prevention Act in 1990.

Studies show that early detection of breast cancer can save lives.
Answer: True
Women who are 40 or above and have regular screenings, can reduce mortality by approximately 20-25% during a period of ten years.

How did you score?

1-2 pts= need to grow in awareness of facts
3-4 pts= on your way
5 pts or more= Kudos!  Share your breast cancer awareness!

Some additional facts about breast cancer: 

1) Breastfeeding your baby lowers your risk of getting breast cancer. The more months a women has nursed in her lifetime, the lower her risk and her baby's risk.
2) When cancer has been detected, the tumor has typically been growing for several years. Breast cancer tends to grow more slowly than other cancers. Therefore, when you receive a diagnosis, it's ok for you to take some time deciding what treatment option to take. 
3) You lower your breast cancer risk by being a non-smoker, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and drinking alcohol rarely.

 
Statistics drawn from: The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.