While there is a lot of awareness and information out there about breast cancer, there’s also some misinformation. Here are a few myths to be aware of:
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. Wrong—only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. Regardless, if you find a lump, get it checked.
Men don’t get breast cancer. Wrong—men can get breast cancer. Unfortunately, men have a higher mortality rate with breast cancer. Since there’s not as much awareness among men and they’re less likely to think a lump is breast cancer, they delay seeking treatment. Men should do self-exams as well and get any lumps checked out.
A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread. Wrong—breast compression during a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. The National Cancer Institute says the benefits “nearly always” outweigh the potential harm from radiation exposure (which is extremely low).
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you’re likely to get it too. Wrong—women with a family history are in a higher risk group, but most women who have breast cancer have no family history of it. About 10% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of it.
Remember, breast cancer is not specific to one age group or one sex. Everyone needs to do regular self-exams and be aware of changes in their bodies. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about screenings and what makes the most sense for you.
Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Institute of Health, American Cancer Society
