Did you know? Myths and facts about breast cancer can lead to misdiagnosis. Hence it is necessary to differentiate the myths and facts about breast cancer which helps in diagnosing, treating and preventing breast cancer. Go through our top five myths about breast cancer that misleads the people.
MYTH: If I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, I won’t get it.
Truth:
According to the report, more than 75% of the women who are affected by breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer. Only about 5 to 10% of the women are affected by heredity. However, you might be at risk of breast cancer if
- You have close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.
- Generations of ovarian or other cancer.
- Male or female relatives with breast cancer at a young age.
MYTH: If you maintain a healthy diet, you don’t have to worry about breast cancer.
Truth:
Having a healthy diet can also lead to breast cancer. Eating healthily and exercising regularly will not protect you from breast cancer. Having a balanced diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer but they do not completely protect you. There are many patients who live a healthy lifestyle but still suffer from breast cancer.
MYTH: Wearing a bra can cause breast cancer.
Truth:
Until now there is no evidence that shows bras can also cause breast cancer. Both the media and the internet have fueled so many myths on how wearing a bra can increase the risk of breast cancer. It is based on a theory that wearing a push-up or underwired bra can restrict the blood flow of lymph fluid out of your breast that causes the toxic substance to build up the tissue. But it is a myth.
MYTH: Mammograms can cause breast cancer.
Truth:
There is no proven evidence to suggest that mammograms can cause breast cancer. A mammogram has been recognised as one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. Women of age 40 and above are recommended to have mammogram tests every year in order to avoid any complications.
MYTH: Using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant can cause breast cancer.
Truth:
This myth is very popular, but it is untrue. Many people think that there is a connection between underarm antiperspirants and breast cancer, but it is not true. Based on the myth that harmful chemicals in the products get absorbed by the lymph nodes that spread them to the breast tissues that lead to cancer. Both are antiperspirant and deodorant are safe to use.
It’s breast cancer awareness month. So, let’s alarm ourselves with some facts about breast cancer. Several breast cancer myths make it hard to beat the disease. Hence, it is necessary to discredit the breast cancer fact from fiction.