5 DEBUNKED Breast Cancer Myths
Myth: Men can't get breast cancer.
Truth: Each year approximately 2,190 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and
410 will die. While many more women are diagnosed with breast cancer,
men carry a higher mortality rate than women. This is primarily because
breast cancer awareness among men is lower and they are less likely to
perform self-exams or assume a lump could be breast cancer, resulting
in a delay of treatment.
Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means that you definitely have breast cancer.
Truth: Only a small percentage of breast lumps are cancerous. However, if you
detect a persistent lump or any changes in breast tissue, get a clinical
breast exam by a physician. A breast imaging study may be ordered to determine
if the lump is of concern.
Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
Truth: Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any
conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants
and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop
breast cancer, too.
Truth: Only about 10 percent of individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer
have a family history of the disease. However, women who have a family
history of breast cancer are in a higher-risk group.
Myth: A mammogram can cause cancer to spread.
Truth: An X-ray of the breast, or mammogram, is the best tool for early detection
of breast cancer and it cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the
NCI, "The benefits of mammography nearly always outweigh the potential
harm from radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation."
Source: National Cancer Institute