Many of you must not be knowing the meaning of the pink ribbon. This ribbon with the pink color is not for fashion or style, instead it is for awareness of breast cancer in the society. But it is incomplete until one knows all the details related to the disease. But unfortunately, when we talk about breast cancer, we are really very far away from the reality.It is still very hard to know what causes and what prevents it, as there are always misconceptions which one don’t understand. These misconceptions becomes a myth and start circulating. These myths can keep you away from recognizing and minimizing the risk of breast cancer and also from the proper care for it. Here is the list given about the myths for the breast cancer and take charge of your breast health.
1. Myth: Using antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer.
Truth: This is actually the most popular myth for the breast cancer. It is believed that the antiperspirants contains certain chemicals called parabens which enhances the chances of getting breast cancer. This is based on the misinformation wherein some breast cancer sufferers are found to have parabens in their breast tissues. But this is actually not true, as there is not a certain link between antiperspirants and breast cancer.
2. Myth: Only women having a family history of breast cancer are at risk.
Truth: All the people have breast tissues and thus every one are at the equal risk of developing the breast cancer. The risk of getting the disease surely increase if it runs into the blood of the family but it can not be considered the primary cause. A large percentage of women are diagnosed with breast cancer having no known family history with the disease. So if you have a family history with the disease, do not just panic, just consult it with your doctor.
3. Myth: Breast lumps are cancerous.
Truth: Certainly, there are various lumps in the breast which are benign in nature, and are caused due to various other factors. Doctors generally advise to go through a series of tests as soon as you find any changes in your breasts just to know the proper nature of the lump. It is beneficial if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. Hence all the lumps should be checked as soon as you notice them.
4. Myth: Only women gets breast cancer.
Truth: This is generally believed in our society the only women gets affected by breast cancer, which is not true at all. It is shown from the studies that more than 1,600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and many of them are dying due to it. Hence, the next time you see a lump not going from a long time in your partner’s breast tissue, make sure he sees a doctor.
5. Myth: Breast cancer can only develop in older women.
Truth: It is true that the risk increases along with the age, but the reality is that breast cancer can develop at any age. A certain percentage of risk is associated with all the age groups leaving age no bar for getting breast cancer.
6. Myth: Birth control pills causes breast cancer.
Truth: Birth control pills use to contain higher amount of these hormones suggesting a high risk of breast cancer. Now a days, these pills contain a low amount of hormones like estrogen and progesterone leading to a lower risk for breast cancer. seek your doctor’s advice before going to use any of these pills.
7. Myth: Diagnosis of breast cancer will lead to death.
Truth: Many women diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage are seen to live longer lives. And even if diagnosed lately, there are various therapies and treatments available which can enhance the rate of survival and can lead to an improved quality of life.
8. Myth: No risk factors means no breast cancer.
Truth: Being a women and getting older with the age is the strongest risk factor of developing a breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most growing and common disease spreading among the women. Most of the women are diagnosed with breast cancer having no known risk factors associated.
9. Myth: Breast cancer can be prevented.
Truth: It is possible to identify the risk factors at an early stage which can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. There are anti- estrogen drug also available which can also some what reduce the risk of developing the breast cancer. But once diagnosed, it can not be prevented entirely.
10. Myth: Underwire bra causes breast cancer.
Truth: Rumors circulated years back suggested that wearing underwire bra blocks the lymph system causing toxicity in the breast tissues leading to breast cancer. But lately it was proven that wearing an underwire bra doesn’t cause any such blockage which can cause toxicity in the breasts and thus cannot cause breast cancer.
11. Myth: Breastfeeding can be protective measure against breast cancer.
Truth: It is true that pregnancies before the age of 30 can decrease the risk of getting breast cancer but it can not be considered as a guaranteed protection.
12. Myth: Breast cancer can be transferred from one person to other.
Truth: Breast cancer is caused due to uncontrolled growth of the cells present in the breast of a human body. It cannot be transferred from one person to the other in any way. Learn about the appropriate risk factors and then act accordingly.
13. Myth: Mammogram enhances the cell growth in breast cancer.
Truth: Mammogram is the best way to diagnose breast cancer. It does not enhance the spread of breast cancer at all. It neither have any other side effects also which can harm your body in any ways.
14. Myth: Breast cancer can be definitely caused by breast implants.
Truth: It is absolutely false that women with breast implants are at greater risk of getting breast cancer. This is just a technique performed for a better look of breasts it has no such side effects if performed properly.
15. Myth: Small breasted women are at lower risk of getting breast cancer.
Truth: Every women is at risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer irrespective of the color, race and size.
