Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 10 Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Away

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we cannot consider ourselves familiar with the disease unless we stop believing the myths surrounding it. Much like periods, sex, COVID-19 or any other health issues, there is a ton of false information circulating on the internet about breast cancer.

People around the world have created their own versions of the disease, prevention, cure, and treatment. However, this article will shatter all your myths.

Myth 1: Mammograms Are Painful

According to Mission Regional Medical Centre, mammograms are not painful and useless. With advancements in technology, radiation is harmless and delivers an accurate image without causing discomfort. However, women can schedule a test somewhere mid-menstrual cycle when breasts are tender right before and after periods.

Myth 2: Only Women Get Breast Cancer

Everyone out there should get their facts straight around this myth. Although breast cancer primarily affects women, men and other people can also get affected by it. If a person has breast tissue, they can develop cancer.

Myth 3: Breast Cancer Is Only Affected By Family History

This is also not true. Though women with a family history of breast cancer remain at a higher risk, there is always a possibility for this disease affecting anyone, especially if there are first and second-degree relatives or multi-generational people with a history of the disease. One’s tissues can develop cancer even if she has no history of the disease.

Myth 4: Antiperspirants And Deodorants Can Cause Cancer

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in Texas, USA, there is no conclusive research that indicates deodorants and antiperspirants being the contributing factors for a person suffering from breast cancer.

Myth 5: Breast Cancer Can Always Be Caught Early With A Mammogram

It is true that annual mammograms are the best way to keep a track of your health. It is, however, very difficult to catch the diseases at an early stage. According to BreastCancer.Org, mammograms can miss about 20% of breast cancers during scans.

Myth 6: Breast Cancer Only Happen In Middle-Aged Or Older Women

No. Although the maximum number of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in older and middle-aged women. Tissues among younger men and women can also develop into breast cancer.

Myth 7: Breast Cancer Always Creates A Lump That You Can Locate

There are several cases where a person never developed a lump yet was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lump is only one of the symptoms among many. Therefore, doctors always advise annual scans and regular self-examinations. It is also true that if you have a lump in your breast tissue, it may not necessarily be because of breast cancer.

Myth 8: Breast Cancer Is Contagious

Breast cancer is not a communicable disease like COVID-19 or H1N1 flu. It is caused by the uncontrolled growth of mutilated cells that begin to spread within breasts and through the body.

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Myth 9: Every Patient Receives The Same Treatment

Even though two women have been diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time, they might receive completely different treatments. Any doctor would advise a plan according to the patient’s history, condition, preferences, and ability to bear chemotherapy and radiation sessions along with high-dose medicines.

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Myth 10: Injury Can Cause Breast Cancer

People might believe that an injury or trauma can cause breast cancer. However, it is a myth. One must get their facts straight about what causes the disease and how it can be diagnosed or prevented.

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