Review the following "Questions to Ask" about breast cancer so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. What is my risk for developing breast cancer?

2. My mother had breast cancer. Will I develop it, too?

3. What can I do to reduce my risks for developing breast cancer?

4. What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

5. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

6. Are breast self-exams really worth doing? Will you show me how to do one?

7. How often and when should I do a breast self-exam?

8. What is a clinical breast exam? How often do I need to have one?

9. What is a screening mammogram? Should I have one? Does it hurt?

10. Are low-cost or free mammograms available? I'm not sure I can afford one.

11. Can breast cancer be treated? What treatments are available?

12. I've been taking birth control pills for years. Do they increase my risk for developing breast cancer?

13. Does postmenopausal hormone therapy cause breast cancer?