It's October and you know that that means... and no, I am not talking about the great holiday of Halloween, I am talking about Breast Cancer Awareness month! Statistically, 1 in 8 US women will develop a form of breast cancer in their lifetime and it is estimated that in this year alone, 2016, there will be 246,660 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed. This form of cancer is one that will continue to plague the lives of both men and women across the world and it is important to understand both the factual information as well as the mythical information about this disease. With the help of breastcancer.org (http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/slideshows/myths-facts) and nationalbreastcancer.org, (http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths) this article will focus on the many myths and facts that there are about this form of cancer:
Myth: Most breast cancers run in families.
Fact: There are only 5-10% of breast cancers that form because of heredity, the other 90% form from lifestyle and environmental factors.
While it is important to know about any cases of breast cancer in your family, it is even more important to pay attention to your own lifestyle and environmental factors. Anybody can get breast cancer, whether it runs in your family or not, so do not be naive and get yourself checked!
Myth: Bras cause breast cancer.
Fact: Underwire bras DO NOT cause breast cancer. A study performed in 2014 concluded that there was no connection between women who wore a bra and those who did wear one.
Bras were made to be a support for our bodies, would they still be on the market if there were links between them and breast cancer? Probably not ladies, let's think clearly here!
Myth: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking antiperspirants to breast cancer, either because of toxin build up or aluminum exposure.
Now that this myth is crushed, my dear ladies and gentlemen, please wear that deodorant! It's made for a reason, we are suppose to use it so, please, do!
Myth: Finding a lump means you have breast cancer.
Fact: Only a small percentage of breast lumps actually end up being breast cancer.
Now, that being said, if you feel a lump that you believe to be unusual then please, by all means, get it checked! However, the breast is made of many uneven tissues that can form lumps on their own so it is important to not panic over every single lump because more likely than not, you are probably in the clear!
Myth: Breast cancer only forms in women.
Fact: Men can get breast cancer as well!
Men, just as women, have breast tissue. That being said, they can develop breast cancer as well. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Though small, this percentage does say that men should check themselves regularly for unusual lumps within their breast tissue.
October is breast cancer awareness month, now is the perfect time to get yourself checked. Both ladies and men, this cancer can be treated if caught early so please, be smart and check your Boobies. (Get it, haha!)
