Q. What is Breast Cancer? 
Breast cancer is a disease when the breast cells grow uncontrollably. These cells usually form a tumor which can be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancerous) if the cells invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. For more information, visit American Cancer Society. 

Q. Who can get Breast Cancer? 
Both men and women can get breast cancer, although it is commonly seen in women. In the U.S., breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. (National Cancer Institute) 

Q. Where can we get a mammogram screening? At what age should women get a screening? 
A mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast. Mammogram screening are covered by most insurance plans and are provided by your doctor. Screenings are usually provided for women over the age of 40. Women (or men) with higher risk of breast cancer may receive a screening earlier, consult your doctor. If you are uninsured, there are local centers that provided free or low-cost screenings. Please contact ABCSS (raceforeverywomen@gmail.com) for additional information about local centers that provide screenings. 

Q. Conditions in ET? 
Ethiopia is a landlocked East African nation with an estimated land area of 1.1 million square kilometers. It is the third most populous country in Africa with a population of 79 million—of whom 80 percent live in rural areas. Women and children comprise nearly three-quarters of the Ethiopian population. The average life expectancy for women is 53 years. Most Ethiopian women don't know about breast exams and frequently ignore lumps," said Dr. Mathewos Assefa, head of the oncology unit at Black Lion, who trained in South Africa and returned to his homeland to serve his fellow Ethiopians. "They often seek treatment at a late stage." Many Ethiopians with cancer rarely seek medical treatment early and of those who do, are referred to the cancer center in Addis Ababa. 

Q. Conditions in ER? 
Eritrea is a country located on the Horn of Africa on the eastern part of the African continent. Eritrea has a population of 4-6 million and is ethnically diverse. Like many African countries, cancer rates go underreported. Decades of war have depleted health care facilities and services during the second half of the 20th century. Subsequently, the Eritrean government has invested heavily in a primary health care infrastructure throughout the country, although specialized cancer treatment facilities remain limited. According to the sources, Breast Cancer constitutes the highest rate of cancer mortality for women in Eritrea, followed by cervical cancer. Studies have shown that the majority of Eritrean women who are present with Breast Cancer symptoms are under 50 years of age. Women do not tend to present until reaching the later stages of the disease, and there are no standard protocols for managing and treating Breast Cancer in Eritrea. 

Q. How much of the funding goes to mammogram purchase? 

ABCSS is dedicated to achieve its ambitious goal of providing mammography devices to Ethiopia and Eritrea. We are currently working with organizations to finance or donate mammography devices and radiology training to each country. Mammography devices are expensive and can range from $50,000 - $150,000. Our team is working with radiologists in the United States and Ethiopia and Eritrea to determine which mammography device is best suited for the hospital based on durability, mechanical functions, and maintenance costs. In addition, ABCSS provides financial support to breast caner patients in the Washington D.C, Maryland, Virginia area through our financial application provided during the monthly Missaley support meetings."

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Q. How were patients selected to receive financial assistance from ABCSS? 
Thanks to the generous donation and fundraiser, ABCSS is able to provide financial support to local women affected by breast cancer. Our dedicated panel reviews each form submitted carefully to determine appropriate funding and cause. Please contact raceforeverywomen@gmail.com for additional information about financial support and application form. 

Q. Do we support all women? 
Yes, ABCSS supports all women affected by breast cancer.