Breast Cancer is no light topic. According to the CDC, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women, and about 2,400 in men. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I’d like to share some common misconceptions about breast cancer. All information is taken from breastcancer.org, so feel free to check out the website for more detailed info!
1. “It’s a ‘family’ disease.”
About 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, which means that the disease mostly stems from other factors such as work, or your environment. The biggest factors can simply be being a woman and growing older. Although if you do have a family history of breast cancer, it’s important to consider and take seriously.
2. “If you stay overall healthy, you won’t get breast cancer”
While this is partially true, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get the disease. Some things are simply out of control; no one is immune. It’s important to get screenings and follow your healthy lifestyle and progress.
3. “Wearing a bra causes breast cancer”
Yes, I know. As silly as it may seem, bras do not cause breast cancer! There was a theory that bras could restrict the flow of lymph fluid in the breast causing toxic substances to build up but this has been proven as false.
4. “Wearing your cell-phone in your bra causes breast cancer”
While this one seems a bit more realistic, it’s also false. The research to support this is just non-existent. Some scientists are studying whether the radiofrequency that phones give off increase brain tumors, but this is still an ongoing study.
5. “Breast cancer causes a lump you can you feel”
When people think of breast cancer, they most likely think of self-examinations and a lump appearing. To be honest, I did too; but the truth is, breast cancer doesn’t always cause a lump. By the time it does cause a lump, the cancer might’ve moved to the lymph nodes.
Breast cancer is a very real thing, and in this new age of mental and physical health and wellness, it’s important to keep an eye out for what’s real and what’s fake. Know the myths and remember to always take care of yourself!