Basics & Facts
What type of cancer forms in the cells of the breast, most often in ducts or lobules?
Breast Cancer
Name one uncontrollable risk factor for breast cancer
Age, family history, gender, genetic mutations
What is the most common screening test for early detection of breast cancer?
Mammogram
Name one common treatment for breast cancer.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
What is the color of the global symbol for breast cancer awareness?
Pink
True or False: Only women can get breast cancer
False - men can too (about 1 in 100 cases)
Name one controllable/lifestyle risk factor
Smoking, alcohol use, obesity, lack of exercise
True or False: Breast self-exams are no longer officially recommended by all major medical groups.
True — emphasis is now on self-awareness of changes.
What is a mastectomy?
Surgical removal of one or both breasts.
Who founded the Susan G. Komen Foundation after losing her sister to breast cancer?
Nancy Brinker
What does the pink ribbon symbolize
Breast Cancer Awareness and Support
True or False: Breastfeeding can slightly reduce the risk of breast cancer
True
What imaging test uses sound waves to distinguish solid masses from fluid-filled cysts?
Ultrasound
What does “lumpectomy” mean?
Surgical removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue
What daytime talk show host and journalist publicly shared her breast cancer journey in 2002, raising awareness?
Katie Couric
What month is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October
What two major genes, when mutated, increase breast cancer risk
BRCA! and BRCA2
What is a biopsy?
Removal of a small tissue sample for lab testing.
What does targeted therapy do?
Attacks specific molecular targets (like HER2) that help cancer cells grow.
Which actress had a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation?
Angelina Jolie
About what percentage of breast cancer cases are hereditary
5-10%
What type of diet pattern has been linked to lower cancer risk
Plant-based or Mediterranean-style diets
What does “stage” in cancer diagnosis refer to?
How far the cancer has spread (size, lymph nodes, metastasis).
What new field of cancer research focuses on personal genetics to design customized treatment?
Precision or personalized medicine
What annual event brings millions together to walk or run to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research?
Race for the Cure or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer