Breast cancer is a disease that affects women all around the world, and it’s no secret that there are countless myths surrounding this illness. Unfortunately, many of these myths can be incredibly harmful and lead to confusion or even fear among those who are affected by breast cancer. That’s why we’re here to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction when it comes to breast cancer – so buckle up, because we’re about to debunk some common misconceptions in this informative blog post!
Breast Cancer: Definition and Facts
When it comes to breast cancer, many people have heard one or more myths about the disease. Here are some of the most common:
Myth 1: Breast cancer is caused by wearing tight clothes.
This myth is not supported by science. In fact, there is no link between wearing tight clothes and developing breast cancer. What does seem to be associated with a higher risk of the disease is having a strong family history of the disease.
Myth 2: If you have breast cancer, all you can do is pray for it to go away.
This myth is also not supported by science. Treatment for breast cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can all help reduce the chances of the tumor spreading.
Myth 3: Breast cancer only affects women over 50 years old.
Breast cancer can occur at any age, but it tends to occur most often in women over 50 years old.
Fact 1: Breast Cancer is the most common type of female cancer in North America and around the world.
Fact 2: The incidence of breast cancer has increased over the past few decades, but rates vary depending on where you live and your ethnicity/race. Rates for African Americans are about twice as high as those for Caucasians and Asian Americans are about three times as high as Caucasian rates when adjusted for population size . However, even within races/ethnicities there’s variation in incidence – for example, Hispanic women have a slightly higher incidence than
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Myth: Having large breasts increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
Truth: There is no link between having large breasts and an increased risk of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that larger breasts are associated with an increased risk of developing this disease. In fact, research has shown that women who have larger breasts tend to have a lower incidence of breast cancer overall.
Myth: Breast-feeding decreases a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
Truth: Breast-feeding does not decrease a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS recommends that mothers who are breastfeeding should continue to do so until their child is at least one year old to receive the most health benefits from breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding does not protect against all forms of cancer, and there is still a chance that a mother will develop breast cancer while breastfeeding.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are many types of breast cancer, and each has its own associated risk factors. Some women are more likely to develop certain cancers than others, but the majority of cases can be prevented by getting regular mammograms and following the advice of your doctor. Here is a look at some of the most common types of breast cancer:
- Breast cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. HPV is a virus that can be spread through sexual contact, including genital contact with someone who has HPV, and can cause other types of cancers, including cervical cancer. While there is no vaccine available yet that can prevent all forms of HPV-related cancers, there are several effective treatments available for those cancers that are caused by HPV.
- Breast cancer caused by hereditary factors is rare, but it does occur. Most cases of hereditary breast cancer are related to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer should undergo genetic testing to see if they have these genes. If you do have these genes, you may want to consider having surgery to remove your breasts or ovaries before you develop breast or ovarian cancer, as these cancers are much more likely to occur in people who carry these genes.
- Breast cancer can also occur due to environmental factors, such as exposure to ionizing radiation or chemicals that could damage cells in
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
There are many different breast cancer treatment options available, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the three most commonly used treatments: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery is the most common type of treatment for breast cancer. It involves removing the tumor or tumors from the breast using either a traditional surgical approach (such as a mastectomy) or a more sophisticated robotic surgery technique. Surgery may also be used to remove part of the breastbone (sternum) in order to widen the chest opening and allow better access to the tumor.
Radiation therapy is a widely used form of treatment for breast cancer. It uses high-energy beams directed at the tumor to destroy it. Radiation therapy can be given both before and after surgery, and it can be given in several different ways, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (in which smaller doses of radiation are directly delivered through the skin), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), and proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT).
Chemotherapy is another common treatment for breast cancer. Chemotherapy medicines attack cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Common chemotherapies include cisplatin (Platinum-based chemotherapy), carboplatin (A platinum-based chemotherapy that is less toxic than cisplatin), paclitaxel (An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called taxanes), etoposide (A
Survival Rates for Breast Cancer
There are many myths surrounding breast cancer, and it is important to be armed with the facts in order to make the best decisions for your health. Here are seven common breast cancer myths debunked:
Myth: Breast Cancer Cannot Be Prevented
Fact: There is evidence that early detection through screening can decrease the chances of developing breast cancer, and there are several ways to screen for this disease. Screening can include a self-examination every year, mammogram screenings every other year starting at age 40, or a combination of both methods.
Fact: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women across the world, and it disproportionately affects women over 50 years old. In 2013, 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, making it the most frequent type of cancer in women. However, incidence rates vary significantly depending on where you live – rates are highest in developed countries like the United States but also high in developing countries like India. Approximately 180,000 people will die from breast cancer each year globally.
Conclusion:
Fact: Early detection through screening can decrease the chances of developing breast cancer and there are several ways to screen for this disease. Screening can include a self-examination every year or mammogram screenings every other year starting at age 40 (for women who have not had their first child).
