Breast Cancer Myths

 
Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

Truth: Eight out of ten lumps are not cancerous. It is important that you see a physician immediately if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or changes in breast tissue. Often, women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might discover. It is important to take control of your own health self-examinations every month, regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.

Myth: Men never get breast cancer.

Truth: A small percentage of men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, in some cases resulting in death. While the percentage is small, men should also give themselves monthly breast exams and note any changes to their doctor.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

Truth: A mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breast, cannot cause cancer to spread. Nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of people’s experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your doctor’s recommendation and discuss any questions or concerns with your physician.

Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get breast cancer.

Truth: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history.

Myth: Breast cancer is a communicable disease.

Truth: Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body. You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body.