MYTH: Breast cancer only happens to middle-aged and older women.
FACT: Younger women can and do get breast cancer, as do men. It is true that being female and growing older are the main risk factors for developing breast cancer. About 4% of invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in women under age 40, while about 23% were diagnosed in women in their 50s and 27% in women ages 60 to 69. One in every 25 invasive breast cancer cases occurred in women under 40.
Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts.
Truth: There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk, although it can sometimes be more challenging to examine larger breasts.
Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer.
Truth: Breast pain is usually not a sign of breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is a new breast lump, though most lumps themselves are not cancerous or painful. Other potential breast cancer symptoms can include swelling, changes in the nipple or skin, discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and, occasionally, breast or nipple pain.
Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer.
Truth: There is no direct link between sugar and breast cancer. Weight gain and obesity, in particular, can increase the incidence of many cancers; however, sugar itself does not help to grow tumors. Consuming sugar in moderation as part of a healthy diet does not cause breast cancer.
Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
Truth: While carrying your cell phone in your bra does not cause breast cancer. Studies on mobile phone signals have shown no link between phone use and cancer.
MYTH: Women without a family history of breast cancer are not at risk.
TRUTH: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no close relatives with this disease. The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
MYTH: Breast cancer has become an epidemic in young women.
TRUTH: 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: Underarm antiperspirants and under-wire bras cause breast cancer.
TRUTH: 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: Mammograms are unsafe and painful.
TRUTH: 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: If a mammogram result comes back normal, there’s nothing to worry about until the next scheduled test.
TRUTH: 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 are important and strongly encouraged.
MYTH: If a lump is cancerous, mastectomy is the only option.
TRUTH: 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: Only women get breast cancer.
TRUTH: Breast cancer occurs primarily in women, but 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: Having silicone breast implants increases your chance of breast cancer.
TRUTH: Silicone breast implants can cause the formation of scar tissue in the breast, but several studies have found that they do not increase breast cancer risk.
MYTH: An injury to the breast can cause breast cancer.
TRUTH: 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.
MYTH: When treatment is over, you’re finished with breast cancer.
FACT: Breast cancer can have a long-term impact on people’s lives and well-being.
WhatsApp Us
Get Direction
