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5 Myths About Breast Cancer You Should Be Aware Of
By: Sandeep Gupta Thu, 01 Feb 2018 4:46:11
Think you know everything about breast cancer? After all, the news is always full of celebrities who have had mastectomies or of people sharing warnings after leaving checks until they are too late. It seems like everywhere you turn there is something about this disease.
However, most of the facts that people think about are wrong. The facts are continually changing, but too many people fail to keep up.
It is essential to know everything about the disease. You need to find out which facts are real and which ones are the myths. Here are 12 common statements made about breast cancer with whether they are myths and facts to help you learn more. Make sure you know them to avoid the risks by not being up to date with your information.
* A Lump in the Breast Means Cancer
This is a myth, but there is the basis for truth.
Your breasts should not have any lumps. Everyone can agree on that fact. However, if you find a lump, there’s no need to panic instantly. Not all lumps will be cancerous. Some of them will be benign tumors, meaning that they are harmless, and others could be blocked milk ducts!
* A Mammogram Will Spread Your Cancer
This is a myth.
Many people avoid getting mammograms because they believe that they will cause cancer or make it spread further around the body. This is due to the risk of radiation from the x-rays. After all, x-rays are considered harmful, but only if you are the radiation a lot. This is the main reason doctors will be out of the room or have a lead vest if performing many x-rays.
* Mammograms Will Prevent the Development of Breast Cancer
This is another myth.
Who would have thought that mammograms could have two myths when it comes to the development of breast cancer? If people do not believe they make breast cancer worse, they believe that they can prevent breast cancer from ever developing.
* Those With a Family History of Breast Cancer Will Get It
This is false but based on some truth.
It is easy to understand why some people believe the breast cancer myths. They can be based on some fact.
There is no denying that women with breast cancer in their family history are at a higher risk of developing the disease than those who do not have a family history. However, that does not mean you are guaranteed to get it. Likewise, women without a family history can still get the disease and should still check for signs of breast cancer.
* Other People Will Catch Breast Cancer Through You
This is a myth.
There are many concerns over diseases being contagious. Breast cancer is categorically a disease that cannot be transferred to or caught by someone else! This is the case for all types of cancer!
Cancer involves cells mutating or cell growth being uncontrollable and abnormal. When it comes to breast cancer, the cells mutate and grow at an alarming rate around the breast tissue, which is where the lumps come from.