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DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS?
October is breast cancer awareness month. How can you get involved? First and foremost, start by incorporating regular self breast examinations into your routine. Twenty-five percent of all breast cancers are found by women doing their own breast examination. It is best to begin these examinations while you are healthy. That way you will be able to recognize any changes to your body.
Next, learn the facts. Once you learn the facts, spread the word to everyone in your community and beyond. Healthy living should be a part of everyone’s life.
10 common breast cancer myths:
1) Men are not in danger of contracting breast cancer.
False: It is far less common in men, however, an estimated 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in men each year.
2) Breast cancer occurs only in women over 40.
False: Risk increases as you age, however, breast cancer has occurred in children as young as 10 years old.
3) Small-breasted women cannot get breast cancer.
False: The amount of breast tissue or breast size has nothing to do with increased risk of breast cancer.
4) Breast-feeding causes breast cancer.
False: There is no increased risk compared to those who don’t breast-feed.
5) Only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk.
False: A family history of breast cancer can mean that a woman has a higer than average risk, however, more than 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factor for the disease.
6) Breast cancer kills more women than any other disease.
False: Heart disease claims more deaths in women, but breast cancer comes in second.
7) Mammograms are unsafe and could cause breast cancer.
False: Mammograms are a safe procedure that use extremely low levels of radiation.
Smokers have an increased risk of breast cancer.
True: Women who either smoke or inhale passive smoke have as much as a 60% increased risk of breast cancer.
9) Chemicals in make-up cause breast cancer.
False: Make-up and beauty products often contain chemicals linked to cancer, but have not been confirmed as the cause for the disease.
10) Coffee increases your risk of breast cancer.
False: In several studies done in rats, coffee has been shown to prevent cancer.
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world, and it occurs in both men and women although women are about 100 times more likely to experience it than men. While this form of cancer is second in frequency only to lung cancer, it is the fifth most common cause of death by cancer in women around the world.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a small lump of abnormal tissue that can be detecting in the breast by performing a self-diagnosis. Doctors can also use mammograms to search the breast for abnormal tissues that may signal the presence of cancer.
Women and men with breast cancer may also notice pain or changes in the breast’s appearance. These are not reliable symptoms of breast cancer because they are present in a variety of breast disease, but those who experience them should most certainly see their doctors to have a full diagnosis.
Causes of Breast Cancer
There are several genetic and environmental factors that can influence breast cancer development. Those who have a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
This does not mean that men and women have to rely on their genetic luck to avoid cancer. Some of the factors are easily controlled. For instance, tobacco and frequent alcohol use have been linked to higher instances of breast cancer in women. Weight gain can also put a woman at higher risk, especially if it occurs after menopause. Please refer to our Breast Cancer Information section for more cancer related information.
Breast Cancer Self-Examinations
Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected early. This makes self-examinations an important part of a person’s regular health maintenance. Women should perform the examinations once a month. It is best to choose a day several days after menstruation to get the most accurate results. Menopausal women should perform the self-test on the same day of each month.
Breast Cancer Treatments
Surgery is the most common breast cancer treatment. Mastectomy can be avoided in many cases, especially if the offensive tumor is small. Doctors or patients might prefer mastectomies, though, if there are multiple tumors, large tumors, the tumor is associated with a disease, the patient worries that the cancer may return, and other reasons.
Radiation therapy is commonly used to prevent the reoccurrence of tumors. This treatment is often used in conjunction with surgical options. While surgery is most effective at removing tumors, it can leave behind small cancer cells. Radiation therapy eliminates these cells, reducing the risk that the cancer will return.
http://www.breastcancersociety.org/
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