Breast Cancer Awareness

Test your Awareness Level

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 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
The risk factors 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
3-4 pts= on your way
5 pts or more= Kudos! Share your awareness!