SIX COMMON MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Education is the key to victory
"Fear kills more women than breast cancer," says Janelle Hail,
founder of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and a 22-year breast cancer survivor. Janelle is talking about the importance
of education in the fight against breast cancer.
It's difficult to know when you're getting correct information. Always
consult your doctor when in doubt, and ask questions until you are satisfied with the answers. To assist you, we've listed
six common myths about breast cancer - and the truth behind them - direct from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
Truth:
Eight out of ten lumps are benign, or not cancerous. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast
tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. Many times fear keeps women from aggressive health care.
Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your own health by monthly
self-exams, regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer.
Truth: This year 182,000 women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 will die; however, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400
will die. While the percentage of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer is small, men should also give themselves monthly
exams and note changes to their physicians.
Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
Truth: An
x-ray of the breast is called a mammogram. The x-ray and the pressure on the breast from the x-ray machine cannot cause cancer
to spread. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's
recommendation and ask the physician any questions you may have about the mammogram.
Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get
breast cancer.
Truth: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who
have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you
should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis
Myth: Breast cancer is a communicable disease.
Truth: You cannot
catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your
own body.
Myth: Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene means you
can prevent breast cancer.
Truth: Five percent to ten percent of women who have breast cancer are thought to carry the
mutant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Alterations in these genes for men and women can predispose them to breast cancer. If you are
a carrier of the genes, you should be monitored closely by your physician. Carriers of the genes have a lifetime risk of developing
breast cancer.
If you would like more information about breast cancer, or would like
to make a direct financial contribution to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, click here.
Thank you for your support of The Breast Cancer Site, where every
day you can help fund mammograms for underprivileged women - at no cost to you. Click here to visit the site and help fund
a mammogram now.
Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Contact
The Breast Cancer Site:
news@thebreastcancersite.com
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com