Breast cancer is known to have certain myths attached to it. Here are the tops myths for the same.
Breast cancer only develops in women.This is certainly the most popular myth about breast cancer. It has always been the general opinion that only women can get breast cancer, which is completely untrue. Even men can contract this type of cancer. Although it is a fact that women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, this does not imply that men are absolutely safe. They can also develop breast cancer. According to the statistics, each year 1,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the US alone, which is sufficient to show the contradiction between the popular belief and the fact. Although the percentage of men with breast cancer is relatively small in comparison to women, this does not rule out the possibility of men having breast cancer.Women under 50 years of age don’t develop breast cancer.Breast cancer can affect women of any age, although the risk is greater in women above 50 years of age. Women in their post menopausal state are more prone to this disease, but even the younger women can develop breast cancer. Studies have shown that 25 percent of women suffering from breast cancer are below the age of 50 years. Even young women need to have annual breast exams done by the doctor and once you have reached the age of 40 years, make sure that you are undergoing annual mammographic screening. This can ensure that the abnormal cells are identified in their pre-cancerous stages and right steps can be taken in time. The chances of a lump turning into breast cancer is much lower in young women in comparison to older ones, but still lower chances do not imply that the risk is minimized to zero. This is the reason why doctors suggest monthly breast self exam for women of all ages.Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer.This is one of those myths which was even assumed to have a scientific basis. According to this rumor, if you have a cut near your breast area and an antiperspirant or deodorant is used over that portion of the skin, the chemicals can leak into your skin, which can cause breast cancer. However, results from several studies and researches have busted this myth completely. For instance, the researches conducted at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have shown that no such conclusive evidence exists which establishes the link between the development of breast cancer and use of deodorants and antiperspirants.Birth control pills cause breast cancer.This myth came into existence because of the fact that birth control pills contain estrogen. However, the amount of estrogen in birth control pills is not to the extent that it can become a factor in the development of breast cancer. But, if you have any sort of doubts regarding the use of oral contraceptives and breast cancer, consult your gynecologist.Breast cancer will eventually lead to death.You are not going to die if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Research is still being conducted in this direction and early results are very encouraging. With the medications available today, the 10-year survival rate has gone up to 85-95 percent. Studies have shown that 98 percent of women in whom breast cancer was diagnosed at early stages survived at least for 5 years. The most dangerous type of breast cancer is the one which spreads to other parts of the body. However, women suffering from even this type of cancer are known to survive for years.The chances of breast cancer are eliminated if a mammogram is normal.Although a mammogram is capable of identifying most cases of breast cancer, it is just a screening tool. If you want efficient predictions, this screening test must be done regularly. If you develop a lump, have it checked even if your earlier mammogram reports were normal. Results from screening tests can be considered effective only when they are performed regularly. The previous mammogram reports will help the doctor to assess the present scenario and therefore, these tests must be performed every year.Radiation therapy is dangerous and mammogram can spread cancer.This myth is not just associated with breast cancer, but with all the other types of cancer which involve radiation therapy for their treatment. However, we will like to assure you that if you leave aside a few complications, the current radiation techniques are absolutely safe and effective. You may experience darkening of the skin during the course of treatment, but it will be gone once the treatment is over. Another popular misconception about mammograms is that they can spread breast cancer. This myth came to the surface because of the fact that in a mammography, the person undergoing the test is subjected to radiations. It is a fact that radiation is responsible for a large number of cases of cancer, however, the amount of radiation used in mammography is so low that it cannot pose any sort of serious threat.Herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help treat breast cancer.Till date no such dietary supplement or herbal remedy has been proven to be effective in the treatment of breast cancer. In fact, such alternative medicines must be avoided as it is not known that how they will interact with the main therapy. These alternative medications can even interfere with the established medicines and traditional therapy. Besides, they may have some side effects.A lump in the breast is breast cancer.This is one of the most popular myths and probably the most misunderstood thing about breast cancer. It is not necessary that you have breast cancer even if you have a lump in your breast. In fact, more than 80 percent of the lumps which are feared to be breast cancer are actually cysts or benign condition called fibroadenoma or fibrocystic changes. However, don’t let these facts lull you into complacency as the lumps felt into your breast could also be the pre-cancerous conditions. All lumps must be checked thoroughly.