October opens, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here. The month is in equal parts thinking about those who have gone before and supporting the movement toward breaking the disease’s hold on humanity. Cancer of the breast survivors, family members and even those who have been lucky enough to have never encountered the disease could all do well to understand the reality and myths about cancer of the breast this month.
Many commemorate Breast cancer Awareness Month
Women were diagnosed with 192,370 brand new cases of invasive breast cancer and 62,280 early-stage cancer of the breast in 2009 alone, reports American Cancer Society. Of those, more than 40,000 were forecasted to result in death. Breast cancer was also estimated to be diagnosed in nearly 2,000 men this past year. 440 of those men were told that death would be near.
Cancer misconceptions which are typical
- You’ll get cancer from an underwire bra
This one is a false belief about constricting breast tissue. The idea is the underwire will trigger toxins to build up that way causing cancer. Dr. Deborah Axelrod explains to CBS that this is not actually true.
- Deodorant has a link to breast cancer
This is also false, claims Dr. Schnabel. No studies have shown a link between antiperspirant and toxins that trigger breast cancer.
- Drink from plastic water bottles and get breast cancer
There is a debate on whether or not a cancer-causing dioxin is leaked into the water by sitting in plastic water bottles, although there is not a consensus. There isn’t a connection between BPA (bisphenol) and cancer of the breast although some believe that it leaks to the water from the plastic also.
- Get cancer of the breast from mammograms
CBS News hears from Dr. Schnabel that women’s breasts are exposed to more radiation in a three-month period than a mammogram gives which is .1 to .2 rads per picture.
- Lumpy breasts always mean greater risk
A woman will not be getting cancer of the breast because of lumpy breasts although it can be more difficult to detect with lumpy breasts. Dr. Axelrod explains that it is very important look for brand new lumps nevertheless. If they’re found, a doctor should take a look at them.
- No history of breast cancer makes you safe
While cancer of the breast can run in the family, studies indicate that 80 percent are sporadic cases.
Citations
American Cancer Society
cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/BreastCancerFactsFigures/index
CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20018296-10391704.html
