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Six Breast Cancer Mythbusters That Could Save Your Life
You probably know the basics about breast cancer: It’s one of the leading causes of death in women, and that early detection is the key to survival. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having all the facts about breast cancer. Next to age and family history, misinformation could be your biggest risk factor. Judith Munoz, M.D., a woman’s health specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, dispels some common, but dangerous, myths about breast cancer: 1. Only older women need to worry about breast cancer. Though risk for breast cancer increases as we grow older, this disease can strike at any age. It’s important to stop thinking of breast cancer as an ‘older woman’s disease’ and encourage younger women to begin breast self-exams early in life. This will get them in the habit of doing regular examinations, and familiarize them with their normal breast tissue, so detecting a lump will be that much easier. 2. Only your mother’s family history of breast cancer affects your risk. Your father and mother’s family history of breast cancer play an equally important role in contributing to your risk for breast cancer. Be sure to tell your doctor about occurrences of breast cancer in women from both sides of your family. 3. If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you’re not at risk. Every woman has at least some risk for breast cancer, and nearly 80 percent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Regular breast self-exams and mammograms are crucial for any woman. 4. A monthly breast self-exam is the best way to catch breast cancer early. Breast self-exams are a useful method for early detection, but it is not a substitute for mammography and regular breast exams by a medical professional. These methods should be used together to provide the best chance of finding breast cancer in its early stages. No one precaution is a silver bullet. 5. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a death sentence. On the contrary, 80 percent of women who are diagnosed early will live at least five years, and many will live much, much longer. New treatments are becoming available every day, and your doctor can guide you through the various treatment options that might be right for you. 6. I’m at high risk for breast cancer and there’s nothing I can do about it. There's a lot you can do to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Starting in your twenties, examine your breasts every month, looking for lumps, changes in skin texture, unusual tenderness or discharge. Women 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor at least every three years, and women age 40 and older should have a mammogram and clinic breast exam every year. Women at increased risk due to family history or past breast cancer should consult their doctor about the benefits and limitations of more frequent screening.
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