This month of October is noted by numerous as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month is in equal parts thinking about those who have gone before and supporting the movement toward breaking the disease’s hold on humanity. Knowing the breast cancer facts and breast cancer myths could be invaluable.
The numbers around Breast cancer Awareness Month
Women were diagnosed with 192,370 brand new cases of invasive breast cancer and 62,280 early-stage breast cancer in 2009 alone, reports American Cancer Society. Death was predicted in a ton of them. About 40,000 had this told to them. Also, 2,000 men were diagnosed with cancer of the breast this past year. Of those, about 440 were predicted to die.
Myths of breast cancer
- Bras with underwire make cancer more likely
Cancer of the breast toxins starting because of the underwire that constricts breast tissue is what most people believe with this one. This is not true. That is made clear by Dr. Deborah Axelrod who spoke to CBS.
- Deodorant has a link to breast cancer
This is also false, claims Dr. Schnabel. Cancer isn’t at all linked to antiperspirant. Many think it is the toxins which is not true.
- Drink from plastic water bottles and get breast cancer
There is a debate on whether or not a cancer-causing dioxin is leaked into the water by sitting in plastic water bottles, although there isn’t a consensus. Many believe the plastic releases BPA (bisphenol) also. This has not been linked to cancer either but is a concern for many.
- Breast cancer can come from tests. Mammograms to be specific
.1 to .2 rads per picture is how much radiation a mammogram releases, Dr. Schnabel tells CBS News. This is less than a woman is exposed to naturally in three months time.
- Lumpy breasts increase chances
Lumpy breasts make it harder to determine for those who have cancer of the breast. It does not at all mean you’ve breast cancer. However, Dr. Axelrod advises that it’s best to treat newly found breast lumps with caution and have a doctor investigate.
- No family history, no breast cancer
While cancer of the breast can run in the family, studies indicate that 80 percent are sporadic cases.
Citations
American Cancer Society
cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/BreastCancerFactsFigures/index
CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20018296-10391704.html
