1. Breast cancer is inherited, there is very little I can do to lower my risk. TRUE FALSE

2. Mammograms cannot detect small lumps. TRUE FALSE

3. Most health plans cover the cost of a mammogram. TRUE FALSE

4. A breast lump means breast cancer. TRUE FALSE

5. Breast cancer rates are on the decline. TRUE FALSE

6. The most important thing I can do to protect my breasts is:

a) Monthly self breast exam

b) Annual breast exam by a physician or health care provider

c) Follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for mammogram screenings

ANSWERS

1. False. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. A woman's age determines her risk and your risk increases with age. That is why early detection is your best protection. You have a 92% chance of survival as long as breast cancer is detected early.

One of the best things you can do today to lower your risk is to have a mammogram. Mammography is a low-dose x-ray. It is the most effective way to detect breast lumps too small to be felt and it does not hurt.

2. False. A mammogram can find a lump less than a centimeter in size - up to two years before you or your doctor can feel it by a physical examination. You still need to make sure you perform your own monthly breast exam along with having a mammogram - one is not a substitute for the other. The American Cancer Society recommends the mammography guidelines listed below based on your age:

The American Cancer Society recommends the following mammography guidelines:

Age: Exam:

35 - 39 Have your first mammogram. This serves as a baseline for all your subsequent readings.

40 - 49 Have a mammogram every 1- 2 years.

50+ Have a mammogram every year.

3. True. Most health plans cover the cost of a mammogram and allow you to go to any freestanding center where mammography is performed. Health New England covers mammography exams as follows:

One baseline mammogram for women aged 35-40.
On an annual basis for women 40 years of age and older.
Otherwise, when medically necessary and appropriate.

4. False. Most breast lumps (80%) are not cancerous, but only a physician can make that diagnosis. Discuss all changes in your breasts with your physician or health care provider.

5. False. Breast cancer has been on the rise since 1982. It is the second most common type of cancer in women and is the leading cause of death among women ages 40 - 55. Even though mammograms are the best detectors of breast cancer, only 40% of women receive them.

6. You must do all three: a mammogram, a monthly self breast exam, and an annual breast exam from your physician or health care provider to insure your breast health.

Use the chart below to keep track of the dates and locations of your mammogram.

Date of Mammogram Referring Doctor Address Where X-Ray is Kept

Please don't forget to do the following:

Get a mammogram today. Follow the American Cancer Society guidelines based on your age.
Monthly self- breast exams should be done the last day of your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least tender and not filled with fluid. Start your exams at age twenty so you will be aware of any changes in your breasts.
Your physician or health care provider should examine your breasts during your annual physical or gynecological exam.

Please remember, you must do all three!

It is estimated that if women followed these guidelines, breast cancer deaths would decline nationally by 30%.

Don't let anxiety over the results, embarrassment, fear, or anything else put you at risk for breast cancer.

For more information, talk to your doctor or health care provider, or call the organizations listed below:

American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
www.cancer.org
Offers free pamphlets on how to examine your breasts and how to select a qualified mammography facility.

National Cancer Information Service
1-800-422-6237
www.cis.nci.nih.gov
Has cancer information specialists on call to answer your Questions. Also, offers free publications and helps you to locate a qualified mammography center.

American Institute for Cancer Research
1-800-843-8114
www.aicr.org
Provides public education of cancer prevention.

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
1-888-806-2226
www.nabco.org

Provides information for making informed decisions about breast cancer treatment.

Pass this information along to the women you care about.

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