Myths and Truth about Breast Cancer

Many get confuse between certain facts about Breast Cancer. 

Get a clearer idea and start preventing cancer!

Here are some Myths and Truth about Breast Cancer.

Myth 1

• Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only.

Truth

It is estimated that approximately 2,190 men each year would be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 would die from it. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians. 

Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola.  Many men has less awareness on this issue and are less likely to assume that a lump is breast cancer, which cause a delay in seeking treatment. 

Myth 2

• Breast cancer is contagious.

Truth

You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's 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.

Myth 3

• Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

TRUTH

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. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. He or she may possibly order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not. 

Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine screening  mammograms.

Myth 4

• A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

TRUTH

A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the 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.”

The standard recommendation is an annual mammographic screening for women beginning at age 40. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any remaining questions or concerns you may have with your physician.

Tips to prevent Breast Cancer:

• Exercise boosts the immune system and helps you to keep your weight in check. With as little as three hours of exercise per week, or about 30 minutes a day, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer. This doesn’t require going to a gym either. Power walking is more than sufficient!

• A nutritious, low-fat diet (30 grams or less) with plenty of fruits and green and orange vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet increases the risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.

Credit to: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org