Ten Facts You Should Know About Breast Cancer Quiz

Answer: Twelve percent

Widely accepted statistics state that approximately one in eight women will face the disease at some point, making it the most common cancer among females. Among men, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed, while skin cancer tops the list for both genders combined.

Answer: All of these are factors

The likelihood of breast cancer increases with age, with women over the age of 55 accounting for nearly two thirds of total patients. A first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has had the disease, use of some forms of hormone replacement, and menstruation before the age of twelve are also considered risk factors. In addition, studies show that women who have never had children or have had fibroid (non-cancerous) breast tumors in the past may face a slightly higher risk.

Answer: False

Approximately one percent of new cases diagnosed in the United States every year are men. As with women, early detection and treatment is the key to survival. Any unusual lump, drainage or changes in skin color or texture should be checked by a health care professional as soon as possible.

Far less is known about male breast cancer, but it's generally accepted that family history, radiation exposure and alcoholism all play roles in determining who's at risk.

Answer: Mammogram

Although the technology has been around since the early twentieth century, the use of mammography didn't become widespread until the 1970's. The test, which is performed using a low energy x-ray machine, requires no special preparation on the part of the patient and is usually performed quickly and with minimal discomfort. Along with regular checkups, mammography is an effective tool for detecting abnormalities or changes in tissue, and for identifying any area that may need further evaluation.

Answer: 40

The ACS still recommends that yearly mammograms begin at age 40. Some organizations, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention now use 50 as a guideline for most women, but advocate earlier screening for those with certain risk factors, such as family history or prior medical issues.

Answer: False

Although the rate of breast cancer is much lower in the 20s and 30s, monthly self examination and annual checkups are essential for all women, even those who haven't yet started mammogram screening.

Additionally, a small percentage of breast cancers may not be detected with the x-ray but will be felt when a clinical breast exam is performed.

Answer: Lumpectomy

During a lumpectomy, the tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed for further examination by the pathologist. Additionally, a radioactive blue dye may be injected prior to surgery. This dye will aid the surgical team in locating lymph nodes near the tumor so that it can be determined whether or not, and to what extent, the disease has spread. This procedure is called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

The results of these tests will determine the next steps in treatment, which may involve further surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or long term medication.

Answer: Mastectomy

When the cancer is found to be confined to the tissue removed during a lumpectomy, radiation along with the oral drug tamoxifen is often the chosen course of treatment. Discovery of suspicious cells in other areas of the breast or in the lymph nodes may require mastectomy and/or chemotherapy.

There are several types of mastectomies. Surgery may remove a partial portion of the breast, the full breast, or the full breast and underarm lymph nodes. A radical mastectomy is the most extensive and involves the removal of one or both breasts, lymph nodes and areas of the chest muscles. The level of surgery is determined by a number of factors, including type and stage of the disease, size of tumor(s), personal and family medical history, and patient wishes.

Answer: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Approximately eighty percent of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous) but a "better safe than sorry" approach is always best. Medical evaluation is the only way to tell for sure whether the growth is a cyst, fibroid tumor, or an indication of something more serious.

As with other cancers, early detection and treatment is key to a full recovery.

Answer: Gently let her know you're thinking of her and are available to run errands, babysit, or just listen.

Cancer is NOT contagious and a positive attitude is very important when facing any illness, so try to avoid the "doom and gloom" stories. You can also be assured that little else is on her mind right now, so mentioning it in a caring but non-obsessive way will probably NOT "remind" her of something she's forgotten!
As silly as these ideas seem, I encountered all of these reactions when I was facing surgery. (People often do rather bizarre things when they're not sure how to handle a situation.)
A thoughtful card, phone call or small gift will be greatly appreciated. Consider delivering a home cooked meal after surgery or grabbing a gallon of milk and a few staples while you're doing your own shopping. Your friend will be restricted from driving after surgery, so she may welcome a ride to church services or an invitation to breakfast a few days after she comes home. Remember, most of us hate to ask for help but we really are very grateful when others take the first step!