Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Myths Vs Facts

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Men is the Need of the Hour

Hearsay facts about breast cancer cause panic among individuals. Here are certain myths about breast cancer and hard-core facts shattering these myths.

Myth: A lump in the breast immediately implies breast cancer.
Fact: Only a small percentage of these lumps are cancerous. But a constant lump in your breasts or any change in the breast tissue needs immediate attention. Consult your physician and go for a test to find out if this lump can/cannot be ignored.

Myth: Breast cancer runs in the families.
Fact: Although women with a family history of breast cancer are in the high-risk category, almost 90% of the women having breast cancer have no family history of the same and acquire it due to lifestyle and environmental factors. To correct your unhealthy lifestyle practices and eat nutritious food, you can get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com. Statistics prove that, only 5% to 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have it because of heredity, due to abnormal genes passed over.

Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
Fact: Breast cancer is not like cough or cold, where it can be acquired from someone instantly. It is a non-communicable disease which is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of breast tissue.

Myth: A mammogram can spread breast cancer.
Fact: Mammograms require extremely low quantities of radiation and the risk attached is almost negligible in comparison to its advantages. An annual screening mammography is recommended for women starting from their 40th birthday.

Myth: Men are never at risk for breast cancer. It only affects women.
Fact: Although breast cancer is present predominantly among the female population, it affects less than 1% of the male population. Around 2,190 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually and 410 die out of it. Although the percentage is low, men should also get themselves checked periodically for breast cancer risks. The reason for high mortality rate in men is because, awareness among men is low and they are less likely to assume a lump with breast cancer and hence, treatment is delayed.