Common myths
There are so many myths out there about breast cancer, so as our last message before Christmas we thought we'd debunk a few of these for you. Knowledge is power after all.
1)The Myth
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
The Truth:
8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. If you find a lump, check with your GP - don’t sit on it and worry.
2)The Myth
Men do not get breast cancer.
The Truth:
Approximately 1% of breast cancers diagnosed are in men. Men should not ignore a lump or new symptom in their nipple/breast bud as it can happen.
3)The Myth
A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
The Truth:
A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put upon 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.
4)The Myth
The radiation from mammography gives you breast cancer.
The Truth:
There is radiation when you have a mammogram but less than flying from Auckland to Hamilton. It is also less with digital mammography. The chance of getting cancer from this is miniscule and it could save your life.
5)The Myth
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it.
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 - ten years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
6)The Myth:
Antiperspirants, deodorants and under wire bras cause breast cancer.
The Truth:
Researchers are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of these products and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
7) The Myth:
I'm too young to worry about breast cancer.
The Truth:
Breast cancer risk does increase with age but women at all ages are at risk of breast cancer. 22% of the breast cancer occurs in the 40-50 year age group.
8) The Myth:
I don't have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene so I'm sure breast cancer is not in my future.
The Truth:
Not True! Not having a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene does not mean you won't get breast cancer. Actually, the truth is that almost all women (90 to 95 %) diagnosed with breast cancer have neither a family history nor mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
9)The Myth:
Breast cancer is preventable.
The Truth:
As the cause of breast cancer remains unknown it remains not preventable. Although a drug classified as an antiestrogen called, Tamoxifen may decrease breast cancer risk in certain women, but this is only used in certain circumstances. The real key to surviving breast cancer is early detection and treatment.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas season!
The Team at Auckland Breast Centre
