HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · SEPTEMBER 2018
COMMON BREAST CANCER MYTHS :
The Truth About Breast Cancer
While millions of people are breast cancer survivors , it remains the most common cancer affecting women . Regardless of the high survival rate of breast cancer , as a breast specialist , I often hear misconceptions or myths about the disease from patients . It ’ s important to have the facts and dispel common myths surrounding breast cancer .
MYTH NO . 1 :
YOU ’ LL ONLY GET BREAST CANCER IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY .
Breast cancer cannot be inherited , but a higher risk of developing it can be inherited through gene mutations . Only 5-10 percent of cancers are from inherited gene mutations , and about 80 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease . If you have a strong family history of cancer , genetic testing can identify your risk for certain types of cancer , including breast and ovarian . The testing provides information and the opportunity not only to reduce the risk of cancer , but also to save lives . Detecting cancer early is one of the most important things people can do to protect their health and significantly increase the chances of successful outcomes .
MYTH NO . 2 :
IF YOU ARE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER , YOU MUST HAVE YOUR BREASTS REMOVED .
A breast cancer diagnosis does not automatically result in a mastectomy . Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will need some form of surgery as part of their treatment , but it will vary with each case . Some women need removal of a small piece of breast tissue ( lumpectomy ), while others will need one or both breasts removed , and possibly lymph nodes . The type and stage of the cancer will impact the need for a mastectomy . Your breast surgeon and you will determine what type of surgery is best .
MYTH NO . 3 :
LUMPS IN YOUR BREASTS MEANS YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER .
Actually , there are many conditions that may cause breast lumps , and for women under 30 , lumps are typically benign . Additionally , it ’ s important to pay attention to other less known symptoms of breast cancer , including change in breast size , shape , or color ; nipple color change , retraction , irritation , or discharge ; dimpled skin near the breast ; an underarm lump ; or isolated pain . If you experience any unusual pain or change in your breast , you should consult with a physician . While these are symptoms of breast cancer , changes in your breasts can also indicate other noncancerous conditions . If you need to further investigate , Texas Breast Specialists physicians specialize in treating both cancerous and noncancerous breast issues .
MYTH NO . 4 :
BREAST CANCER ONLY AFFECTS WOMEN .
Breast cancer is more common in women ; however , men can also be diagnosed . About one in 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in his lifetime . In 2018 , there will be an estimated 2,550 new cases of invasive male breast cancer , and an estimated 480 men will die from the disease in the United States .
Breast cancer can have a huge impact on the lives of those diagnosed and their families , but with regular screenings and advanced technology and treatments , more people than ever are surviving this disease .
NURUL WAHID , M . D .
Nurul Wahid , M . D ., is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology – McAllen , 1901 South 2nd Street in McAllen , Texas .
For more information , visit TexasOncology . com or call 956- 687-5150 .
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