Myths surround most everything on this earth and breast cancer is not exempt from that. We all know and hear about breast cancer but it does not mean that the information that we have is always accurate. That is why there are some things which are considered myths! Why don’t you check your knowledge against these myths? You (or others around you) will be better off with the right information.
Myth #1: I (or someone you know) am too young to have breast cancer.
The truth is that women of all ages can be affected with breast cancer. The reason behind this myth is that most women who get breast cancer are older but that does not exclude the possibility of younger women getting it also. This is one good reason women should have check ups or at least perform breast self-examination.
Myth #2: There is no history of breast cancer in my family, ergo, I have nothing to worry about.
Not that I am being an alarmist here but just because no one in your family has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer does not mean that you have absolutely no chance of getting it. The truth of the matter is that a good number of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it. So do not be complacent because of this.
Myth #3: I have no risk factor for breast cancer so I am perfectly safe.
Again, not to be an alarmist, but there are many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer even if they didn’t have a single risk factor. The only “risk factor” they had was being a woman.
I hope that I am not being perceived as negative here but my point is that you have to take certain steps in order to be vigilant against breast cancer.
Originally posted on October 26, 2008 @ 12:59 am