Breast Cancer Awareness: Myths vs. Facts

Due to misconceptions and lack of awareness, breast cancer has become a fearsome disease but in fact, this disease is not so dangerous if treated at its early stages. Following are some myths and facts to improve your breast awareness.

MYTHS	FACTS
Many women believe that all lumps found in your breasts are cancerous.	Research has shown that most breast lumps are non-cancerous. About nine out of ten lumps are benign but this does not mean that you don’t consult your GP. It is important to consult your GP if there is a persistent lump or any other unusual change.
A woman diagnosed with breast cancer will lose her breasts at some stage in her life.	After being diagnosed with breast cancer, a woman might undergo some kind of surgery as part of a treatment procedure. Breast-conserving therapy is mostly used when this disease is at its early stage.
Chemotherapy can cause a woman’s hair to fall out permanently.	Chemotherapy can result in temporary hair fall out but it does not happen with all women. Once chemotherapy ends, hair will start growing again.
Under wire bras are one of the factors that can cause breast cancer.	The link between breast cancer and underwire bras is totally false. During past years, a book was published that suggested under wire bras can cause this disease as it tightens the lymph node system of your body.
Nipple discharge, points out a cancerous condition.	Nipple discharge does not necessarily indicate a cancerous condition. However, if there is a bloody or watery discharge with red, brown or pink color, you should consult your GP.
Many women believe that breast-feeding can cause breast cancer.	Breast-feeding does not cause this disease. According to research, breast-feeding can help in the reduction of breast cancer risk.
Most women believe breast cancer is a contagious disease.	This disease cannot be caught or transferred from one woman to another. It is a non-communicable disease.
Women with small breasts do not get this disease.	Women with small breasts do not get this disease.
Mature women have less chance to develop this disease.	As you grow older, chances of getting this disease increase. NHS offers mammogram screening test for women over 50 to look for breast cancer symptoms.