Until and unless people experience breast cancer in their own lives, or they are close to someone who are suffering, they might not be able to separate myth from fact when it comes to this disease: who gets it and why, for example, or what treatment involves. Breast cancer is one of the better-known and more-talked-about cancers, but there are still so many misconceptions out there.
Below are some of the misconceptions about breast cancer.
MYTH 1: Using underarm antiperspirant or deodorant can cause breast cancer.
FACT : There is no evidence of a connection between under arm antiperspirant and breast cancer, but the safety of antiperspirant is still being studied.
MYTH 2: Wearing underwire bra (or any other bra) causes breast cancer.
FACT : Don’t worry; you can keep wearing your bra. Scientific evidence does not support a link between wearing an underwire bra (or any type of bra) and breast cancer risk. There is no biological reason why the two would be linked.
MYTH 3: Injury or trauma to the breast, like getting hit in the breast, can breast cancer.
FACT : While we never want to get hurt, the good news is there is no evidence to support a link between trauma or injury to the breast and the risk of breast cancer.
MYTH 4: Having a family history of breast cancer means ” I WILL” get breast cancer.
FACT : 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 5: Breast cancer always forms a lump.
FACT : Most people know that a lump in the breast may be a sign of breast cancer, but there are actually seven other warning signs you need to know about! And did you know that six of the eight warning signs are visual changes that can’t be felt?
MYTH 6: Only women can get breast cancer.
FACT : 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. About 2,350 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 440 breast cancer deaths are expected among men in the U.S. each year.
MYTH 7: Young women don’t get breast cancer.
FACT : The risk of breast cancer increases as age does. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in 227 women will be diagnosed with the disease at age 30. By age 40, the odds are one in 68; by age 70, it’s one in 26. Although in rare condition, young women can get breast cancer, even in their teens and 20s!
MYTH 8: A women can’t get breast cancer if she is pregnant.
FACT : Sadly, this is not true. Breast cancer is actually the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. When women are pregnant or breastfeeding, their breasts are naturally more tender and enlarged, which may make it harder to find a lump or notice other changes.
MYTH 9: Putting cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
FACT : There is no evidence of a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of cell phones is still being studied.
MYTH 10: If I eat right, don’t smoke, exercise and don’t drink alcohol I won’t get breast cancer.
FACT : Although these behaviors can help lower breast cancer risk, they can’t eliminate it. However, being physically active, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol are all good for reducing cancer risk and your overall health.
