Fact from Fiction

There are so many myths about breast cancer, many of which prevent women from getting themselves checked when they should. Here are just a few of those myths and the real facts about them!



Fiction: You can catch breast cancer.
Fact: Breast cancer cannpt be caught or given to another person. Breast cancer results from uncontrolled cell growth within your own body.



Fiction: Having a history of breast cancer in your family menas you will get it, too..
Fact: While having it in your family does not mean you will have breast cancer, but it can put you in a higher risk group. It also means that you should have a mammogram about five years before their age at diagnosis. However, most women with breast cancer had no family history.



Fiction: Mammograms can cause breast cancer to spread.
Fact: A mammogram is simply an x-ray of the breast and can in no way spread the cancer. There is some discomfort and pressure but this cannot cause cancer to spread either.



Fiction: Breast cancer is only a female cancer.
Fact: While it is found primarily in women, men do get it as well. In the year 2005, approximately 211,000 women will be diagnosed and about 43,000 of those will not survive. In the same year, approximately 1,600 men will be diagnosed and about 400 will die. Men, too, should give themselves self exams each month.



Fiction: Finding a lump means you have breast cancer.
Fact: 80% of all lumps are benign. But all lumps should be taken seriously and medical advice sought.