NEWS
MYTH
The Breast Cancer
Myth
Breast cancer is contagious.
The Truth
You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to
someone else's body. Breast cancer is the
result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated
cells that begin to spread into other tissues
within the breast. However, you can reduce
your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being
aware of the risk factors, and following an
early detection plan so that you will be
diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.
The Breast Cancer Myth
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
The Truth
Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you
discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast
tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a
physician for a clinical breast exam. He or she may possibly order breast
imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not. Perform
routine breast self-exams, establishing on-going communication with your
doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine
screening mammograms.
The Breast Cancer Myth
Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only.
The Truth
The Breast
Cancer Myth
Each year it is estimated that
approximately 2 190 men will be
diagnosed with breast cancer
and 410 will die. While this
percentage is still small, men
should also check themselves
periodically by doing a breast
self-exam while in the shower
and reporting any changes to
their physicians. Breast cancer
in men is usually detected as a
hard lump underneath the
nipple and areola. Men carry a
higher mortality than women do,
primarily because awareness
among men is less and they are
less likely to assume a lump is
breast cancer, which can cause
a delay in seeking treatment.
Breast cancer is contagious.
The Truth
You cannot catch breast cancer or
transfer it to someone else's body.
Breast cancer is the result of
uncontrolled cell growth of mutated
cells that begin to spread into other
tissues within the breast. However,
you can reduce your risk by practicing
a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the
risk factors, and following an early
detection plan so that you will be
diagnosed early if breast cancer were
to occur.
The Breast
Cancer Myth
The Breast
Cancer Myth
Antiperspirants and deodorants
cause breast cancer.
The Truth
A mammogram can cause breast
cancer to spread.
Researchers at the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) are not aware of any
conclusive evidence linking the use of
underarm antiperspirants or
deodorants and the subsequent
development of breast cancer.
The Truth
Material on this page courtesy of the National Cancer Institute.
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths
34 | NOVEMBER 2013 frontShop
A mammogram, or x-ray of the
breast, currently remains the gold
standard for the early detection of
breast cancer. Breast compression
while getting a mammogram cannot
cause cancer to spread. According to
the National Cancer Institute, “The
benefits of mammography, however,
nearly always outweigh the potential
harm from the radiation exposure.
Mammograms require very small
doses of radiation. The risk of harm
from this radiation exposure is
extremely low.”
The standard recommendation is
an annual mammographic screening
for women beginning at age 40.