Breast Cancer Myths

The underlying causes and the subsequent cure for breast cancer is still not very clear to the world in spite of all the researches and studies being carried out in the last quarter century. As such, it becomes important for a thorough research between the fact and the myth that is created around this killer disease called breast cancer.

To top the list among the myth is the one, which believes breast cancer to be inherited. With a family history of the same, the chances of having the disease rise. But on the contrary, only 5 to 10 % of all the breast cancer cases are considered as genetic. It is also a common myth that this disease only affects older women. The risk of developing this disease definitely increases as we grow older, but at the same time, it could occur at any age. In fact, one of the recent studies shows that from birth to age 39, one woman in 231 may get breast cancer (< 0.5 % risk), from age 40 to 59, the risk is one in 25 (4%), from age 60 to 79 it is one in 15 (nearly 7%) and in the entire life time it is one in 7 (14.3 %).

Birth control pills leading to breast cancer are yet another myth related to breast cancer. Modern day pills contain very less doses of hormones, estrogens and progesterone. The research has categorically denied any association between birth control pills and breast cancer.

Beside this, a monthly self breast test is considered a simple way to diagnose this disease. But the research shows that about 25% of cancer is diagnosed through self examination, while 35% are found on mammography alone, and 40% are found by both physical examination and mammography.

Avoiding smoking, consuming alcohol, caffeine or high fad diet could reduce the chances of having breast cancer. This is also a very common misconception about this form of cancer. The study however reveals that, up to 70% women with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factor. A lumpy breast is also often misunderstood to be cancerous. But the fact is not so and it sums up only as a myth. Underarm antiperspirants and under wire bras are also looked upon as factors that can lead to breast cancer. But no study in this field has shown any such indication. Diagnosis of breast cancer is often looked upon as a death sentence. The fact, on the other hand, is that the death rates have fallen down by 20% and today more and more women are surviving the cancer.

The breast cancer detention and treatment has undergone a remarkable improvement in the recent years. The American Cancer Detention Society has come up with guidelines for early detection and misconceptions regarding the same. This is one of the most common forms of cancer among women, which should be carefully monitored without any myths and misconception. One has to be a little more visionary in understanding the difference between fact and myth.

Dr. Buttars new Book "The 9 Steps to keep the Doctor away" will be the excellent guide to attain the knowledge how to change your life and your life style  to Prevent Breast Cancer for good.

Read more about: "Breast Cancer Types"