2020 PPP magazine

Page 74 2020 Paint the Paper Pink Lincoln Daily News October 2020 Answer true or false 1.) You can get breast cancer even if it doesn’t run in your family. Answer - True Most women diagnosed with breast cancer – more than 85% – have no family history of the disease. Having a relative with breast cancer does increase your risk. But other factors such as age, being overweight, alcohol use, and hormone therapy after menopause can also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. 2.) If breast cancer runs in your family, you are sure to get it. Answer - False Having breast cancer in your family doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. In fact, most women who get breast cancer don’t have a family history of it. Some breast cancers are related to gene changes that are inherited from a parent. But many times, cancer runs in families because family members have similar lifestyle habits – habits you can control and change to lower your risk of breast cancer. This includes staying at a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and limiting or avoiding alcohol. If you suspect you might have an inherited gene mutation, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling. The most common mutations that increase breast cancer risk are in the BRCA genes. Knowing your family history empowers you to tackle the risk factors you can control. It should also motivate you to get screened regularly so that breast cancer is caught early – when it’s small, hasn’t spread, and is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about your risk, when you need to start screening, and whether you need extra tests beyond mammograms. 3.) You still need mammograms after menopause. Answer - True Getting older is not a reason to skip regular breast health checks. In fact, your risk of developing breast cancer goes up as you get older. About 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older. As long as you’re in good health you should continue getting mammograms. Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Quiz CONTINUE