|
Breast Cancer Awareness
Separating the Facts and the Myths
The Myth
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
The Truth
If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, and scheduling regular mammograms.
The Myth
Men do not get breast cancer.
The Truth
Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.
| |
An Early Detection
Plan Should Include: |
| |
All Ages:
Recording personal exams, mammograms, and doctor’s appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file. Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
Beginning at age 20:
Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.
Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.
By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
Age 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
Ages 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year.
Register with the site www.NationalBreastCancer.org
and they will e-mail you reminders |
|
The Myth
A mammogram can cause breast
cancer to spread.
The Truth
A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people’s experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician’s recommendation and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
The Myth
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it.
The Truth
While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
The 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 in your own body. However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.
 The Myth
Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer.
The Truth
While alteration in these genes in men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk of breast cancer, only 5% to 10% of patients actually have this mutation. This is not an absolute correlation. Like your age or having a family history of breast cancer, it’s a factor you just can’t control. But you can let your physician know, perform regular breast self-exams, and focus on the fact your chances of not having this disease are greater than 90%.
> Return to Newsletter |
