What Do You Know About Breast Cancer? Trivia Quiz

1. Besides family medical history, which of the factors below also affects your risk level?

How active you are

All of the above

How old you were when you first started menstruating

How old you were when you had children

Many factors influence your risk for developing the disease, so be sure to honestly disclose your lifestyle and medical history to your doctor when getting screened for breast cancer.

Explanation

Many factors influence your risk for developing the disease, so be sure to honestly disclose your lifestyle and medical history to your doctor when getting screened for breast cancer.

2. At what age does The American Cancer Society recommend that women begin yearly mammograms?

30

35

40

50

The American Cancer Society recommends that women schedule an annual mammogram beginning at age 40, along with a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a doctor or nurse. ACS guidelines also call for women to continue the monthly breast self-exams they began at age 20. Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss mammogram guidelines as soon as possible with their own health care providers.

Explanation

The American Cancer Society recommends that women schedule an annual mammogram beginning at age 40, along with a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a doctor or nurse. ACS guidelines also call for women to continue the monthly breast self-exams they began at age 20. Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss mammogram guidelines as soon as possible with their own health care providers.

3. The amount of radiation you receive from a mammogram can harm your health.

True

False

The amount of radiation you get from a mammogram is extremely low—plus you don't receive the exam frequently enough for it to become an issue.

Explanation

The amount of radiation you get from a mammogram is extremely low—plus you don't receive the exam frequently enough for it to become an issue.

4. The greatest risk of breast cancer occurs at what age?

Under 20

20-34

35-49

50 and Over

Although all women are at risk, a woman's risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. About 82 percent of women with breast cancer are over the age of 50 at the time of diagnosis. Women younger than 30 years account for only 0.3 percent of breast cancer cases. Women in their thirties account for about 3.5 percent of cases.

Explanation

Although all women are at risk, a woman's risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. About 82 percent of women with breast cancer are over the age of 50 at the time of diagnosis. Women younger than 30 years account for only 0.3 percent of breast cancer cases. Women in their thirties account for about 3.5 percent of cases.

5. Which of these has been proven to increase breast cancer risk?

Cell phones

Breast implants

Antiperspirants

None of the above

Rumors have spread rapidly by e-mail, but no studies have shown that antiperspirants, underwire bras, cell phones or breast implants can increase the risk of, much less cause, breast cancer. The biggest factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.

Explanation

Rumors have spread rapidly by e-mail, but no studies have shown that antiperspirants, underwire bras, cell phones or breast implants can increase the risk of, much less cause, breast cancer. The biggest factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.

6. Which of the following are the two most important things women can do to lower their risk for breast cancer?

Limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake

Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking

Quit smoking and limit red meat intake

Limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that excess fat and alcohol can act like estrogen in the body and promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer.

Explanation

Limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that excess fat and alcohol can act like estrogen in the body and promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer.

7. Breastfeeding when you have children in your 30s helps reduce your risk by how much?

5%

15%

20%

30%

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that women in their 30s who breastfed for 13 to 24 months decreased their risk by 30%, while women who breastfed for more than 24 months reduced their risk by 40%.

Explanation

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that women in their 30s who breastfed for 13 to 24 months decreased their risk by 30%, while women who breastfed for more than 24 months reduced their risk by 40%.

8. Which item has no effect on the risk of breast cancer?

Alcohol

Excess weight

Preservatives in food

Exercise

Foods that contain preservatives DO NOT appear to affect the risk for breast cancer, but the other four items do. The best way a woman can protect herself is to exercise regularly, minimize alcohol use, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular screening exams. Women should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.

Explanation

Foods that contain preservatives DO NOT appear to affect the risk for breast cancer, but the other four items do. The best way a woman can protect herself is to exercise regularly, minimize alcohol use, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular screening exams. Women should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.

9. At the age of 40, the average woman has what chance of getting breast cancer?

1 in 75

1 in 69

1 in 30

1 in 8

Though it's only 1 in 69 by the time you turn 40, the risk increases with age; statistically speaking, women in their 70s and 80s have the highest risk—1 in 27.

Explanation

Though it's only 1 in 69 by the time you turn 40, the risk increases with age; statistically speaking, women in their 70s and 80s have the highest risk—1 in 27.

10. What percentage of people who develop breast cancer have a family history of the disease?

80% to 90%

50% to 60%

20% to 30%

5% to 10%

Biology isn't destiny when it comes to breast cancer. Only 20% to 30% of patients have family members who have had the disease.

Explanation

Biology isn't destiny when it comes to breast cancer. Only 20% to 30% of patients have family members who have had the disease.