Top 5 Breast Cancer Myths
The American Cancer Society reports taht breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most comon type of cancer diagnosis among women in the United States. Once armed with the facts, you can reduce your cancer risk almost 70 percent just by practicing a healthy lifestyle.
Myth #1: Most breast cancer is hereditary.
"Approximately 10 percent of breast cancers are considered hereditary in nature. Most breast cancers are not inherited but are considered random or sporadic."
Myth #2: I'm too young to worry about breast cancer.
"The risk for breast cancer does increase with age. However, a personal history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, a close family history, or evidence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation increases a woman's risk for developing the disease at a younger age."
Myth #3: If I have a lump, it's cancer.
"Early breast cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms. Most often, a lump or thickening in the area near the breast or under the arm is not due to cancer. Another health problem could be the cause."
Myth #4: A nutritious diet prevents breast cancer.
"Breast cancer may not be prevented completely, but a low-fat, plant-based diet can certainly help to reduce your risk. For optimal health, everyone should follow a healthy diet and exercise program and maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). Early detection is still the best method for preventing serious breast cancer complications."
Myth #5: Only woman get breast cancer.
"Breast cancer also develops in men. Each year, about 2,000 men in this country learn they have breast cancer."
Healthy Tools: Know Your Risks
If you have a personal or family history of breast and ovarian cancer, you may be at higher herediatry risk than the average woman. The following are considered "high risk" red flags:
- Breast Cancer before age 50
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer at any age
- Bilateral breast cancer
- Both breast and ovarian cancer
- Relative with a BRCA mutation
- Ashkenazi/Easter Europe Jewish decent
