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. The challenge for every person this month should be to become aware of the reality and also the myths about breast cancer.
The facts behind Cancer of the breast Awareness Month
In 2009, 192,370 new cases of invasive cancer of the breast were found in women, reports American Cancer Society. That very same year women were diagnosed with 62,280 early-stage breast cancer. 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. Of those, about 440 were forecasted to die.
Misconceptions of breast cancer
- Underwire bras promote breast cancer growth
This one usually is a false belief about constricting breast tissue. The idea is that the underwire will trigger toxins to build up that way causing cancer. Dr. Deborah Axelrod explains to Columbia Broadcasting System that this is not actually true.
- Deodorant causes breast cancer
Dr. Schnabel explains that this also isn’t true. Cancer isn’t at all linked to antiperspirant. Numerous think it is the toxins which is not true.
- Get breast cancer from plastic water bottles
Some believe that cancer could be caused by water that has been sitting in bottles that leak dioxin to the water. There are lots of doctors that completely disagree with this though. Numerous believe the plastic releases BPA (bisphenol) also. This has not been linked to cancer either but is a concern for many.
- Cancer of the breast 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.
- Lumpy breasts always mean greater risk
While lumpy breasts can make breast cancer detection somewhat more difficult, having lumpy breasts does not resign a woman to breast cancer. Dr. Axelrod explains that it is very important watch for new lumps nevertheless. If they’re found, a doctor should check out them.
- I will not get cancer of the breast with no family history
While breast cancer can run in the family, studies indicate that 80 percent are sporadic cases.
Articles cited
American Cancer Society
cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/BreastCancerFactsFigures/index
CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20018296-10391704.html
