Top 10 myths about breast cancer
Knowledge is power: Fear and confusion are at the heart of the various myths about breast cancer. It's important to separate fact from fiction to help yourself and others who are facing this disease. | FILE PHOTO
Related Stories
- Caring team works with Northwest Indiana breast cancer patients
- Customizing cancer care at Chicago-area hospital
- Tough choice helps woman be cancer free
- Women’s health center to offer comprehensive services
- Breast health navigator steers cancer patients in right direction
- Helping to make smart choices after cancer treatment
No woman needs to be alone when it comes to understanding breast cancer. Fear and confusion are at the heart of the various myths about breast cancer. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when facing this disease.
Here are 10 of the most common myths (and truths) about breast cancer:
Myth 1: Women
without a family
history of breast
cancer are not at risk.
Reality: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no close relatives with this disease. Regardless of family history, discuss mammography guidelines and schedule regular screenings with your health provider. The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
Myth 2: Breast cancer has become an epidemic in young women.
Reality: Although all women are at risk for breast cancer, 95 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women ages 40 and over; and more than three quarters occur among women over 50.
Myth 3: Underarm antiperspirants and under-wire bras cause breast cancer.
Reality: This rumor has been spread rapidly by email. There is no evidence or studies which indicate that using antiperspirants or wearing any type of bra increases the risk of, much less causes, breast cancer.
Myth 4: Breast cancer kills more women than any other
disease.
Reality: More American women die of heart disease and lung cancer. However breast cancer is still a major health concern. Early detection and innovative treatment options are now making it possible for many more women to live healthy, cancer-free lives.
Myth 5: Mammograms are unsafe and
painful.
Reality: With today’s modern technology, radiation levels are low and not harmful. Modern mammography equipment is designed to minimize the degree of discomfort. Since breasts can be tender just before or after menstruation, women may prefer to schedule a mammogram at a different time.
Myth 6: If a
mammogram result comes back normal, there’s nothing to worry about until the next scheduled test.
Reality: Mammography is the best technology to detect cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends women also receive a breast examination by a health professional as part of their scheduled physical exam. Self-awareness and prompt reporting of any changes is important and strongly encouraged. Follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening.
Myth 7: If a lump is cancerous,
mastectomy is the only option.
Reality: At one time, mastectomy was standard therapy, but now many women have more than one choice. The combination of lump removal (lumpectomy) and radiation is performed more commonly. And the many treatment options are helping women live healthy, cancer-free lives.
Myth 8: Only women get breast cancer.
Reality: Breast cancer occurs primarily in women and occasionally in men. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue, and that it’s possible for them to develop breast cancer.
Myth 9: Having
silicone breast
implants increases your chance of breast cancer.
Reality: Silicone breast implants can cause formation of scar tissue in the breast, but several studies have found that they do not increase breast cancer risk.
Myth 10: An injury to the breast can cause breast cancer.
Reality: Injury or trauma to the breast does not cause cancer. One reason for this myth is an injury may draw attention to a breast lump that had actually been present for some time.
Courtesy of the American Cancer Society