Reducing risk of breast problems.
Become a breast friend in four easy steps

Kimmy Phuong Hoang has helped hundreds of women get their first mammograms. But when it came time to get one herself, she was scared. Learn how she overcame her fear and why she says regular screenings are so important.

Mammogram technologist Leslea Boyle knows that regular breast screening saves lives -- because it saved her mother's life.

You're the expert when it comes to knowing how your breasts normally look and feel.

Take this quiz to find out how well you know your breasts.

Best Friends or Perfect Strangers?

Take this quiz to find out how well you know your breasts.
By Chantel Simmons

Are your breasts your best friends or perfect strangers? To find out how much you know about breast health and breast screening, take this quiz. Circle either A, B or C, then read on to discover your breast health IQ, plus how you can take care of your breasts for life.

1. If you notice a change in the shape, size or feel of your breasts, you should:
   1. Call your doctor immediately.
   2. Take a pregnancy test. Oh sure, you may be in menopause, but you never know!
   3. Go shopping for a new bra.
2. If you're over 50, you should get a mammogram:
   1. Every one to two years.
   2. Every six months.
   3. Every five to 10 years.
3. If you're over 50 and need a mammogram, you should:
   1. Call the Ontario Breast Screening Program at 1-800-668-9304 yourself. It's free!
   2. Ask your doctor for a referral.
   3. Buy your own x-ray machine so it's convenient!
4. Before your mammogram, you may want to:
   1. Take a mild, over-the-counter pain relief pill an hour in advance.
   2. Reduce your intake of jujubes and jellybeans for a month so you're not so jumpy!
   3. Put on lipstick, so you look pretty in the picture.
5. When going for your mammogram, you should wear:
   1. A two-piece outfit since you'll be asked to remove your top.
   2. A watch, so you're on time.
   3. Comfy shoes -- you'll be standing for the mammogram.
6. About 80% of breast cancers are found in:
   1. Women over 50.
   2. Canada.
   3. Your breasts.
7. Close to 90% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer have:
   1. No family history of breast cancer.
   2. A family history of breast cancer.
   3. Very large breasts.

Add up the number of As, Bs, and Cs that you circled to determine how well you know your breasts and how much you know about breast screening. If you chose mostly:

As you're Best Friends Forever. You know your breasts better than you know your best friend! And why not? Your breasts have been with you from the start! You know that being aware of how your breasts usually look and feel is one of the best ways to detect a change in shape, size or feel of your breasts, particularly if you're under 50. And if you do find something unusual, you should call your doctor immediately. If you're over 50, you should get a mammogram every one to two years. You don't need a referral, and you can book your appointment yourself. When you go for your mammogram, it's best to wear two-piece clothing, and if you're sensitive to pain, you might want to take a mild, over-the-counter pain relief pill an hour before your appointment (provided it doesn't interfere with any other medications you take). Having regular screenings is a great way to detect breast cancer as early as possible.

Bs you're Fair Weather Friends. You like your breasts, but you're not exactly on a first-name basis with them. Did you know that 8,500 women in Ontario will develop breast cancer in the next year? But don't despair -- early detection can help save your life. The best way to recognize a change in your breasts is to know what they look and feel like normally, so now's the time to get up close and personal with your twin peaks! A change in your breasts is not necessarily a sign of breast cancer, but if you do notice something unusual, your doctor can refer you for a free mammogram, even if you're under 50, so don't be afraid to speak up. It's better to know -- and take action -- than to worry unnecessarily.

Cs you're Perfect Strangers. You know you've got two breasts, but that seems to be where you draw the line of friendship with your bosom buddies. Don't be afraid of them -- if you take care of them, they may be yours to keep for life! Although 80% of breast cancer is found in women over 50, women of any age can get breast cancer so don't put off getting to know your breasts. Knowing how they feel normally is the best start, so that you can identify any changes if they occur. Need incentive? Give yourself a small reward for remembering to pay attention to your breasts, such as a pedicure, new lipstick or a new bra. Who knows -- in no time, they may be your best friends!