Breast Cancer Myths
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to the subject of breast cancer. You'll find a few of the most common listed below.
The Myth:
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
The 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. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your own health with monthly self-exams, regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.
The Myth:
Men do not get breast cancer.
The Truth:
Quite the contrary. This year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves monthly exams and note any changes to their physicians.
The Myth:
A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
The Truth:
An x-ray of the breast, called a mammogram, cannot cause cancer to spread. Nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
The Myth:
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get breast cancer.
The 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.
The Myth:
Breast cancer is a communicable disease.
The 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.
The Myth:
Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene means you can prevent breast cancer.
The 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, your physician should monitor you closely. Carriers of the genes have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Learn more about the role genetics play in breast cancer and for facts about BRCA1 and BRCA2 at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/genetics
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