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The Breast Cancer Quiz
By Amy Carey-Bowman
Women under 40 need not have an annual breast exam by a doctor or health care provider.
The right answer is false. If you are age 20 to 39, you should be seeing your doctor every one to three years for a physical examination of your breasts. Your doctor will look for dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple discharge, thickenings or lumps.
If no one in your family has had breast cancer and you are under 30, you can skip monthly breast self-exams.
The right answer is false. Monthly self-exams are recommended for all women. You can perform the exam in the shower or while lying down. For more information on self-exams, visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Web site.
Taking birth control pills can raise your risk of breast cancer.
The right answer is true. Post-menopausal hormone therapy and oral contraceptives that add estrogen to your body can also increase breast cancer risk when taken for several years. According to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, women who have a strong family history of breast cancer are often advised to avoid hormones. Talk to your doctor to make an informed decision based on your own personal history and needs.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help you avoid breast cancer.
The right answer is true. Studies show that beingoverweight after menopause may increase breast cancer risk. Maintaining a weight appropriate for your body type lowers your risk of breast cancer and is generally good for your overall health.
