October is known as breast cancer awareness month. This tradition began back in 1984 between several organizations aspiring to help bring awareness and education to the general public about breast cancer. Many companies, organizations, athletic leagues and even federal departments all support this cause by sporting pink ribbons. However, too many people remain confused to certain myths and facts concerning breast cancer. Though there is no cure for breast cancer, the best thing to do is get yourself checked out by a physician and let them be the one to give you a clean bill of health. At First Care of New York we would like to provide you with some facts and fictitious things people think of when it comes to breast cancer.
Only women get breast cancer – Fiction
Though rare, men get breast cancer as well. It is equally as important for men to undergo regular breast self-check techniques for prevention and early diagnosis.
Breast feeding – Fiction
There has been no direct correlation of breast feeding and breast cancer. Some scientists actually believe it might help to fight breast cancer.
Underwire bras causes’ breast cancer – Fiction
The verity is that there is not enough evidence to support this argument
All breast lumps are cancerous – Fiction
Not all breast lumps are malignant or cancerous. However, this does not imply that a person should stop reporting any breast changes that occur to their doctor. In order to determine whether a lump is cancerous or not, further diagnostic procedures like mammogram, biopsy or ultrasound should be done.
Birth control pills can lead to breast cancer – Fiction
It is true that birth control pills do contain a small amount of estrogen. Nonetheless; there is no substantial proof to authenticate this statement.
Breast cancer is contagious – Fiction
Breast cancer is not contagious, contradictory to what most people believe it to be. This misconception is mainly due to the fact that a number of cases of breast cancer are linked with a family history.
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer – Fiction
I guess people began to think of this because deodorant is applied near the breast area. The Truth Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any definitive evidence relating the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the development of breast cancer.
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it – Fiction
Although women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk grouping, most women who have breast cancer have little or none family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should take precautions and have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
Though there might be other fictitious rumors about how one may get cancer. There is only one way to help manage your health concerning breast cancer. Screening by a licensed professional is the only sure way to help identify and treat cancer if detected. If you should ever detect any changes in your breast area, whether you are male or female, you should have yourself checked out. Early detection may be the difference between recovery or the need for treatments.
