Breast cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in women. In fact, the rate of incidence of advanced breast cancer is rising in women owing to the late diagnosis of the disease. To make it worse, a number of myths about breast cancer have been spreading, which can interfere with your decision of making the correct lifestyle choices for preventing the onset of breast cancer.
Myth 1: Genetic factors are solely responsible for breast cancer
Genetic mutation or BRCA gene mutations do not always lead to breast cancer. Even if you have a family history of breast cancer, it does not imply that you will definitely suffer from breast cancer. An immediate relative or first-degree relatives like parents and siblings suffering from breast cancer can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Nevertheless, 20 – 40 % of the population who have a family history of breast cancer do not get the disease during their lifetime.
Myth 2: Only women are likely to get breast cancer
Breast cancer is certainly more common among women, but men can also develop breast cancer. While approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed of breast cancer, about 2000 men have also been reported to suffer from breast cancer every year.
Myth 3: Wearing antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer
The American Cancer Society has clearly disapproved this myth but has admitted that more number of studies are to be conducted to completely eradicate the role of antiperspirants and deodorants, in causing breast cancer. Presence of compounds called parabens in a few tumor samples had started this myth, since most antiperspirants contain parabens, which are used in trace amounts as preservatives. However, no cause-effect relationship has been found between breast cancer and the usage of deodorants and antiperspirants. Nevertheless, one should not use these products before a mammographic examination, to avoid them from interfering with the final results.
Myth 4: Breast cancer does not affect people who do not have a family history of breast cancer
Approximately 80% of the women suffering from breast cancer do not suffer from genetic predisposition to cancer. As your age progresses, you become susceptible to breast cancer due to multiple reasons like bad eating habits, lack of physical activity, exposure to toxins and pollutants and the daily wear and tear that the breasts are subjected to. Hence, assuming that you do not need to get annual breast examinations and take other precautionary measures to avoid breast cancer, just because you do have a family history of breast cancer can actually increase your chances of developing this disease in the future.
Myth 5: People below the age of 40 will not suffer from breast cancer
Undoubtedly older age, especially an age over 40, is one of the most common risk factors of breast cancer. This does not imply that people belonging to the younger age are safe and will never get breast cancer. Breast cancer involves a complex cascade and majority of its causes are unknown. Hence, regardless of the age, it is important for everyone to get regular check-ups and diagnostic tests done by visiting a cancer treatment center to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
In conclusion, you should be able to analyze and understand the differences between the myths and facts about breast cancer for making lifestyle modifications that are most favorable for helping you cope with the symptoms of this debilitating condition.
Myth 1: Genetic factors are solely responsible for breast cancer
Genetic mutation or BRCA gene mutations do not always lead to breast cancer. Even if you have a family history of breast cancer, it does not imply that you will definitely suffer from breast cancer. An immediate relative or first-degree relatives like parents and siblings suffering from breast cancer can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Nevertheless, 20 – 40 % of the population who have a family history of breast cancer do not get the disease during their lifetime.
Myth 2: Only women are likely to get breast cancer
Breast cancer is certainly more common among women, but men can also develop breast cancer. While approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed of breast cancer, about 2000 men have also been reported to suffer from breast cancer every year.
Myth 3: Wearing antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer
The American Cancer Society has clearly disapproved this myth but has admitted that more number of studies are to be conducted to completely eradicate the role of antiperspirants and deodorants, in causing breast cancer. Presence of compounds called parabens in a few tumor samples had started this myth, since most antiperspirants contain parabens, which are used in trace amounts as preservatives. However, no cause-effect relationship has been found between breast cancer and the usage of deodorants and antiperspirants. Nevertheless, one should not use these products before a mammographic examination, to avoid them from interfering with the final results.
Myth 4: Breast cancer does not affect people who do not have a family history of breast cancer
Approximately 80% of the women suffering from breast cancer do not suffer from genetic predisposition to cancer. As your age progresses, you become susceptible to breast cancer due to multiple reasons like bad eating habits, lack of physical activity, exposure to toxins and pollutants and the daily wear and tear that the breasts are subjected to. Hence, assuming that you do not need to get annual breast examinations and take other precautionary measures to avoid breast cancer, just because you do have a family history of breast cancer can actually increase your chances of developing this disease in the future.
Myth 5: People below the age of 40 will not suffer from breast cancer
Undoubtedly older age, especially an age over 40, is one of the most common risk factors of breast cancer. This does not imply that people belonging to the younger age are safe and will never get breast cancer. Breast cancer involves a complex cascade and majority of its causes are unknown. Hence, regardless of the age, it is important for everyone to get regular check-ups and diagnostic tests done by visiting a cancer treatment center to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
In conclusion, you should be able to analyze and understand the differences between the myths and facts about breast cancer for making lifestyle modifications that are most favorable for helping you cope with the symptoms of this debilitating condition.
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