October opens, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here. Remembering the fallen and advancing with great strides toward prevention and cure is both a personal and national act of healing. Being aware of the reality about cancer of the breast and also the misconceptions regarding breast cancer are vital elements within the battle.
Numerous commemorate Breast cancer Awareness Month
According to American Cancer Society estimates, in 2009 there were 192,370 brand new cases of invasive breast cancer and 62,280 early-stage breast cancer diagnosed in women. Over 40,000 of those were considered to be life threatening. Breast cancer was also estimated to be diagnosed in nearly 2,000 men last year. 440 of those men were told that death would be near.
Common breast cancer misconceptions
- Underwire bras promote breast cancer growth
This one typically is a false belief about constricting breast tissue. The idea is that the underwire will cause toxins to build up that way causing cancer. The truth, Dr. Deborah Axelrod tells Columbia Broadcasting System, is that no such link exists.
- Deodorant causes breast cancer
This is also false, claims Dr. Schnabel. There have not even been studies that link cancer of the breast with antiperspirant and cancer.
- Plastic water bottles trigger breast cancer
Some believe that cancer can be caused by water that has been sitting in bottles that leak dioxin to the water. You will find lots of doctors that entirely disagree with this though. Many believe the plastic releases BPA (bisphenol) also. This has not been linked to cancer either but is a concern for many.
- Breast cancer can come from tests. Mammograms to be specific
.1 to .2 rads per picture is how much radiation a mammogram releases, Dr. Schnabel tells CBS News. This is less than a woman is exposed to naturally in three months time.
- More risk with lumpy breasts
A woman won’t be getting breast cancer as a result of lumpy breasts although it can be more difficult to detect with lumpy breasts. A doctor should investigate if you find new breast lumps, reports Dr. Axelrod, as it could mean cancer.
- No history of cancer of the breast makes you safe
Family genes can make it easier to get cancer of the breast. Of course, 80 percent of cases are really just random.
Articles cited
American Cancer Society
cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/BreastCancerFactsFigures/index
CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20018296-10391704.html
