Arlette Huesca | On 12, Oct 2017

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we thought we would take an opportunity to provide you with some of the facts and help dispel some of the myths associated with this deadly disease.

Facts

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life times.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women.
• Although breast cancer is typically associated with women, men can still get great cancer.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
• There are about 3 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States Today.

Myths

Myth: Consuming dairy causes breast cancer.
Truth: Several myths persist about the correlation between dairy intake and the increased risk of breast cancer. Over many decades, studies have shown that dairy consumption does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
Truth: A small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer, but it is always best to be cautious. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, immediately see your healthcare provider.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
Truth: A mammogram, an ultrasound of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too.
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.

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
Truth: At this time, the evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer is inconclusive.