Breast Cancer: Facts and Myths

Though breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer and continues to effect hundreds of thousands of lives each year, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about the disease. This is a list of five breast cancer myths and five breast cancer facts.

Myth 1: Family History

Many believe that only a person with a family history of breast cancer will develop the disease. In fact, though having a close relative with the disease doubles the risk, people with no family history of breast cancer are still the overwhelming majority of those who develop the disease.

Myth 2: Antiperspirants

As long as I can remember, I was told not to wear antiperspirant deodorants because they are supposedly full of aluminum and cause breast cancer. Luckily, this is a fallacy, and studies have shown that there is no correlation between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Myth 3: Post-mastectomy Cancer

Because women with a family history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease, many choose to have their breasts removed as a precautionary measure, believing that breast cancer cannot develop where there are no breasts. Sadly, this is untrue, as many surgeons leave some breast tissue behind that may still become cancerous. Though the chance of post-mastectomy cancer is significantly decreased and quite rare, it is still possible.

Myth 4: Caffeine

Many people, including those who probably weren't concerned about my health and just wanted to shut me up, have warned me that there is an increased risk between caffeine intake and cancer. Luckily for all the coffee and soda drinkers in the world, there has been no evidence to prove this.

Myth 5: Size Doesn't Matter

Many people believe that a woman's size is of no consequence to breast cancer risk. Sadly, this is untrue, and in fact heavier women have been shown to be at a greater risk for developing breast cancer than women who aren't overweight or obese. These factors are increased if the weight is gained later in life or is post-menopausal.

Fact 1: Numbers

Cancer Facts reports that over 40,000 women died from breast cancer in 2008, which is almost 20% of those who were diagnosed with the disease.

Fact 2: Prevention

Early prevention and detection is the best way to not only fight breast cancer, but keep it from spreading. Every woman, especially if they are post-menopausal, should have a mammogram at least once a year.

Fact 3: Knowledge of Your Body

A woman's knowledge of her body is a great source of breast cancer prevention. Once she notices a new lump, redness, or swelling that wasn't there before, it's time for a check-up.

Fact 4: Prevention

In many cases, breast cancer can be prevented or the risk decreased by maintaining a low fat diet, staying away from alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Fact 5: Survival

Breast cancer should be no means be a death sentence, especially if caught early. In fact, the five year survival rate is now at 98%. This number decreases, however, if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, especially the lymph nodes.

"Breast Cancer Risks and Symptoms", http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20215558,00.html, Health.com

"Overview", http://www.cancerfacts.com/GeneralContent/Breast/Gen_Overview.asp?CB=10, Breast Cancer Facts.com