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The Breast Cancer Quiz

By Amy Carey-Bowman

Even if you find breast cancer early, you have little chance of surviving – and have a big chance of losing a breast.

The right answer is false. If breast cancer is found in its early stages, it can be treated successfully. According to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, 96 percent of women treated for the disease are alive five years later. In addition, most of these women did not lose a breast in the treatment process.

The longer you breastfeed, the higher your risk for breast cancer.

The right answer is false. Some studies show that women who breastfeed longer have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who do not breastfeed.

Having children before age 30 increases your risk of breast cancer.

The right answer is false. Having children before age 30 do not increase your risk of breast cancer.

If your mother or sister has breast cancer, your breast cancer risk is higher than the average woman's.

The right answer is true. Women with at least one "first-degree" blood relative – a sister, mother or daughter – who has breast cancer have an increased risk of getting the disease themselves. If your first-degree blood relative was diagnosed with breast cancer before she reached menopause, your risk of breast cancer may be three times that of an average woman. Be sure to discuss your risk factors with your doctor to be sure he or she takes the appropriate measures to prevent and detect cancer in your breasts.