Myth: Breast cancer is the biggest killer of women
"Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women. So if you light up, quit smoking! Smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths." —Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of active living for The American Cancer Society.
Myth: You don't need to do self exams
"While self-exams don't replace yearly checkups
with your doctor, they're still a good tool. The wisest thing is to
know your body well. Don't be afraid to examine yourself; embarrasment
is a dangerous barrier. Notice if your breasts change in any way. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about any concerns." —Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, MD, MPH, founder of Best Friends For Life (BFFL)-Co
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Myth: Cancer is a "battle" to win
Myth: Mammograms can cause cancer
"It is true that women who
receive large doses of radiation, especially when they are younger,
have an increased risk of breast cancer but routine breast cancer
screening with mammography uses a very small dose of radiation and poses
very little risk for future breast cancer development. Mammography
allows us to detect early-stage breast cancer, which in turn allows for
early intervention and improvement in outcomes. This significantly
outweighs the potential harm." —Sean Fischer, MD, medical oncologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica.
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Myth: Removing a tumor spreads cancer
Myth: A close family history of breast cancer means you'll get it too
"Women who have a family history of breast cancer are placed into a higher risk category, but 90 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer. If you have a first-degree relative (a mother, daughter, or sister) with breast cancer who developed breast cancer before the age of 50, you should start some form of regular diagnostic breast imaging 10 years before you become the age your relative was. If you have a second-degree relative with breast cancer (a grandmother or aunt) your risk increases only slightly." —Sean Fischer, MD
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Myth: No family history? No need to worry
"Fewer than 10 percent of
women have a genetic mutation causing their cancer, while the other 90
percent are considered to be sporadic, or not due to a gene mutation. In
sporadic cases there often is no clear cause. Anyone can get breast
cancer, regardless of family history, so make note of any changes and
discuss with your physician in a timely fashion." —Preya Ananthakrishnan, MD, director of breast surgery at White Plains Hospital.
Myth: If you have breast cancer, symtpoms will be obvious
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Myth: Sugar can cause breast cancer
"Breast cancer is not
usually an emergency. A lot of less experienced doctors will try to rush
you into something but it's about finding the right treatment, not the
fastest treatment. Take the time to find the right doctor and treatment plan for you." —Stephen Marcus, MD, cancer researcher and author of Complications of Cancer.
Myth: Your bra can cause cancer
"This myth is primarily based on the notion that bras that are ill-fitting or tight fitting
or bras with an underwire decrease circulation of lymphatic fluid and
may trap toxins in the breast tissue that can cause cancer. This
correlation is false. Wearing an underwire bra does not increase your
risk for breast cancer." —Caroline Coombs-Skiles, MD, breast surgeon at the Austin Cancer Center.
[post_ads_2]Myth: Diagnosed? You must treat breast cancer right away
"Breast cancer is not usually an emergency. A
lot of less experienced doctors will try to rush you into something but
it's about finding the right treatment, not the fastest treatment. Take
the time to find the right doctor and treatment plan for you." —Stephen Marcus, MD, cancer researcher and author of Complications of Cancer.
Myth: A biopsy can spread cancer
"This has been studied extensively. There is no
evidence that a biopsy can spread cancer cells. In fact, it is very
important to start with a needle biopsy of a lump or mass to determine
if a lump is cancerous. If a diagnosis of cancer is made, the tumor is
removed surgically with a surrounding margin of normal tissue and lymph
node sampling may be performed at the same time. Although many patients
come in asking for a lump to be removed with surgery instead of a needle
biopsy, in fact the needle biopsy is an essential guide for further
treatment and helps to avoid multiple unnecessary trips to the operating
room." —Preya Ananthakrishnan, MD.
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Myth: Dad's breast cancer family history isn't an issue
"Your father's family history of breast cancer
is just as important as your mother's in understanding your risk. The
medical history of women on your father’s side of the family impact your
chances of getting breast cancer just as much as the family members on
your mother’s side." —Caroline Coombs-Skiles, MD.
Myth: Weird nipples are always a cancer symptom
"You can't tell someone
has cancer just by looking at them. If your nipples have always been
inverted, that is just how your breasts are shaped. However, if the nipples change suddenly,
like invert or change color, that is a concern you should address with
your doctor to rule out cancer. Hairy nipples on women have nothing to
do with cancer and are totally normal." —Neelima Denduluri, MD
[post_ads_2]Myth: It's safe to delay chemo
