As you all may or may not know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That is why this week I would like to discuss a lot of the myths that have been created about this disease. Sadly, many misinformed people have circulated all types of theories and false information about this particular type of cancer. Like any other type of Cancer, breast cancer is a life changing and terrifying disease. Although women have the most occurrences of this disease, they are not the only ones who can develop it. This brings me the first myth about breast cancer.
Myth #1: Only women get breast cancer. Absolutely false! Overall, women have the most reported cases of breast cancer, but men can get it too. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation approximately 2,190 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 die every year. Although this may seem like a small percentage, it should not be ignored. Men should learn to self-examine themselves and be more aware of the changes that occur in their bodies.Moving along to myth #2 Underwire bras cause breast cancer. Years ago, someone started a rumor that the underwire found in bras could cause breast cancer. There are many claims that these types of bras compress the lymphatic system of the breast, causing toxins to accumulate and cause breast cancer. This is absolutely false! There is no scientific evidence that connects the tightness or the wiring in a woman’s undergarments to breast cancer.
Myth #3 is closely related to #2 because it involves a product that we use on a daily basis. A vicious rumor has been spread that states that wearing antiperspirant increases your chances of getting breast cancer. It is believed that a chemical found in deodorant, when absorbed by the body, can trigger an effect that would produce cancer. Like the underwire bra there is no scientific information stating that this is the case. So don’t stop using your deodorant just yet! Myth #4 is that only people with a history of breast cancer in their family are at risk of getting breast cancer. “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. Statistically only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease” (National Cancer Institute, 2012). This means that we are all still at risk and should be going to our regular checkups.
Moving along to breast cancer myth #5, people believe that breast cancer always comes in the form of a lump. A lump may indicate breast cancer, but women should also be aware of other kinds of changes that may be signs of cancer. These include: swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, the nipple turning inward, redness, scaliness, or a discharge from the nipple other than breast milk. Breast cancer can also spread to underarm lymph nodes and can cause swelling there before a tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt. Luckily, a mammogram can pick up breast cancer that has no outward symptoms at all. So make sure you get checked! Last but not least…Myth #6: Breast cancer is a death sentence. Medicine has advanced so much that being diagnosed with cancer no longer means that you are going to die. There are many treatment options and procedures nowadays, this should give you hope! I know that knowing these things doesn’t make cancer any less terrifying, but I share this information with you in the hopes that you will be more motivated to continue to do more research and pay more attention to your health. To learn more about Breast cancer visit:
You are a part of our First Care family and we not only want you to be educated, but we always want you to know that First Care of New York provides the proper care for our clients affected by an array of medical issues. By utilizing our Certified Home Health Aides or Personal Care Aides to help our clients with their activities of daily living such as: visiting their doctors regularly, assisting with medication reminders and also preparing meals with the dietary specifications necessary to help assist with any medical needs. If you or a loved one can no longer manage on your own or are having health issues due to medical conditions, do not hesitate to give us a call to find out how we may be able to help you. Our number is 718-741-5956.
