Fears Lead to Misconceptions
Cancer is a scary disease and this dose of fear makes us form misconceptions about it which eventually become myths. Breast cancer is of the most common types of cancer and it’s not surprising how it has its own share of myths. In order to stay healthy in hopes of avoiding it, we must know which story doesn’t hold water. Let’s set our records straight with busting and discarding 10 myths about breast cancer. Image Courtesy: http://bloodymerry.ru
Myth 1: Someone with a Family History of Breast Cancer will Certainly Get it.
Fact: If breast cancer runs in your family, you certainly have a significant risk of developing it but it is not certain. Statistically only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 2: Any Lump in the Breast is Breast Cancer.
Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. Your doctor may possibly order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 3: Men do not Get Breast Cancer.
Fact: It is believed that only women get breast cancer, probably because of their anatomy. But, men get the disease too, though at a much lower rate. The symptoms and the treatment of the disease in men is the same as that in women. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 4: Breast Cancer can be Spread or Caused by Mammograms.
Fact: Mammograms are X-rays for breasts that are used for early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.” Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 5: Antiperspirants and Deodorants can Cause Breast Cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence supporting this belief. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, carried out to investigate a co-relation between antiperspirants and breast cancer, found no increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women who used antiperspirants. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 6: Bigger Bust Means Bigger Risk of Breast Cancer.
Fact: If that was true, men wouldn’t get breast cancer at all. Breast size is determined by the amount of breast tissue one has. And how much breast tissues one has [meaning small or large breasts], is irrelevant when it comes to developing breast cancer. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 7: Breast Cancer is Contagious.
Fact: Breast cancer cannot be caught from or transferred to another body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 8: With No Family History of Breast Cancer, I am Safe.
About 80 percent of women who get breast cancer have no known family history of the disease. Besides your gender, your age, and physical exertion in day-to-day life are the biggest risk factors for you to develop the disease. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Myth 9: I can’t do Anything to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer.
Fact: Wrong! Keep to a healthy weight, exercise three to four hours a week, don’t smoke, limit alcohol use to five or fewer drinks per week, and eat five to nine fruits and vegetables a day. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
