Breast Cancer Awareness Day
18th October
Misconceptions and truths around breast cancer: staying informed.
Considering how many people are directly impacted by breast cancer diagnoses, there are still a lot of misconceptions we need to tackle. Addressing these myths and truths allows us to stay informed and make better decisions for our health.
Breast cancer impacts the lives of millions, tragically losing too many people to the disease. That’s why it’s important to understand what is true and what is just a myth. Myths surrounding breast cancer can prevent people from acting when it is most crucial.
Misconceptions
1.Whilst finding breast cancer is more common in women, the most common misconception is that men cannot be diagnosed with breast cancer.
2.Whilst finding lumps in the breast is a symptom of cancer, it does not always indicate that there is cancer in the breast.
3.Though our age may be a small risk, breast cancer doesn’t only affect people who are middle-aged or older.
4.Though pain in the breast may be a symptom, it does not always mean that there is cancer there.
5.A mammogram is a safe device used in the detection of breast cancer, it does not cause or spread breast cancer.
6.Breast cancer is a genetic mutation, it is not contagious.
7.The size of a breast does not determine or influence the risk of breast cancer. Larger breasts are no less prone than those which are smaller.
8.Cancer is a term used to describe varying types of cancer. So no, breast cancer is not limited to just one type of cancer,
9.There is little to no evidence supporting the notion that wearing a bra with an underwire cause’s cancer.
10.In some cases, a lump may be present in breast cancer, but that is not to say the disease can’t present itself with other symptoms instead. Symptoms like nipple discharge, change in texture or colour of the skin and swelling are all also symptoms associated with breast cancer.
Truths
1.There are roughly 57,000 new cases of breast cancer each year.
2.Early diagnosis means the prognosis is likely to be better.
3.23% of breast cancer cases are preventable.
4.There are individuals with breast cancer in every country in the world.
5.It is the most found cancer among women.
6.Approximately 370 men are diagnosed with cancer each year, in the UK.
7.That’s 1 in 100,000 men diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.
8.15% of diagnosed cancers in Britain are breast cancer.
9.Breast cancer isn’t always a lump, it can grow in different ways.
10.Around 1000 people are lost to breast cancer each month.
It’s important to know how to spot cancer on our own bodies, here are some fantastic resources which can help you check yourself for breast cancer: