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MYTH: Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene means you can
prevent breast cancer.
TRUTH: Five percent to ten percent of women who have breast cancer are thought
to carry the mutant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Alterations in these genes for men and
women can predispose them to breast cancer. If you are a carrier of the genes,
you should be monitored closely by your physician. Carriers of the genes have a
lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
MYTH: Breast cancer is a communicable disease.
TRUTH: You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body.
Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body.
MYTH: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get breast cancer.
TRUTH: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher
risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you
have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you
should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis.
MYTH: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
TRUTH: An x-ray of the breast is called a mammogram. The x-ray and the pressure
on the breast from the x-ray machine cannot cause cancer to spread. Do not let
tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your
decision on your physician's recommendation and ask the physician any questions
you may have about the mammogram.
MYTH: Men do not get breast cancer.
TRUTH: This year 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300
will die; however, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will
die. While the percentage of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer is small,
men should also give themselves monthly exams and note changes to their
physicians.
MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
TRUTH: Eight out of ten lumps are benign, or not cancerous. If you discover a
persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very
important that you see a physician immediately. Many times fear keeps women from
aggressive health care. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they
fear what they might find. Take charge of your own health by monthly self-exams,
regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.
Source :
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/cancer_myths/index.html