Breast cancer is just found in women.
Reality:
This year, over 211,000 women will be diagnosed
with breast cancer and 43,300 will die; however,
1,6000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400
will die. While the percentage of men who are diagnosed with
this disease is still low, men should also
give themselves monthly exams and note any changes to
their physicians.
Misconception:
If you find a lump in your breast, it means breast cancer.
Reality:
Eight out of every ten lumps are benign,
meaning they are not cancerous. If you discover
a lump in your breast or any other changes in
breast tissue, consult with your physician
right away. Sometimes when women fear what
they might find, they stay away from medical
care. It is important to take control of your
own health by having yearly physical exam, yearly
mammograms and regular visits to the doctor when
necessary.
Misconception:
Mammograms cause breast cancer.
Reality:
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of
the breast taken with a special machine that uses a
small amount of radiation. A specially trained technologist
positions your breast between two plastic plates. For a few
seconds, pressure is applied to flatten the breast and
get a good, clear picture. There is no evidence that
a mammogram causes cancer. The importance of having a mammogram
far outweighs any risk from of the radiation. Do not let
this stop you from getting your mammogram. They save lives.
Misconception:
Having breast cancer in the family means you
will get it as well!
Reality:
While it shows that having a history
of breast cancer in your family puts you
in a higher percentage, most women who get
breast cancer have no family history. Only 10
percent of the cases of breast cancer have to
do with family history. 90 percent of breast cancer
cases have no known cause.
Misconception:
Using antiperspirants causes breast cancer.
Reality:
There is no evidence that using antiperspirants or reducing perspiration
from the underarm area, affects the breast cancer risk.
The supposed link between breast cancer and antiperspirants
is based on misinformation about anatomy and a misunderstanding of breast cancer.
Misconception:
A monthly breast self-exam is the best way to diagnose breast cancer.
Reality:
While doing a monthly breast self-exam is an important
step in good breast health, a high quality, mammogram
is the most reliable way to find breast cancer as
early as possible, when it is most curable.
By the time a breast cancer can be felt, it is usually
bigger than the average size of a cancer first found on
mammography. Do them together and keep both bases covered.
