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Knowledge is one of our best weapons in the fight against breast cancer. Unfortunately, a lot of bad information is still out there. To know your risks, it's important to recognize myths.
Myth: Only women get breast cancer.
Although it's rare, men can get breast cancer. They account for less than 1 percent of all occurrences. Still, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,030 American men will get breast cancer in 2007. It's most common in men ages 60 or older, but younger men can get it, too.
Myth: Young women don't get breast cancer.
Breast cancer usually happens after menopause, but younger women can still get it. The American Cancer Society estimats that 178,480 women will develop the disease in 2007. That includes more than 11,000 women under age 40.
Myth: Breast cancer is caused by injury to the breast.
At times, after an injury, a woman may be found to have a tumor. That doesn't mean the injury caused the tumor. There is no known link between cancer and injury. In rare cases, severe injuries might increase the risk of cancer. For example, scars from chemical burns might play a role in the development of skin cancer.
Myth: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
This urban legend has been around since the early days of the Internet. You may have read e-mails warning you about a connection between cancer and deodorants. There is no research to back these claims.
Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you will develop the disease.
You may be at higher risk if you have a family history of breast cancer. However, many women who have a family history of breast cancer never develop it. Others are diagnosed with breast cancer, but have no family history. Other risk factors include age and having had breast cancer in the past. Talk to your doctor about your risks.
Bottom line: When in doubt, check it out
Learn to spot breast cancer myths. These tips can help:
- Look for evidence. When you hear a claim, look for medical research to back it up. Don't read too much into a single study without finding other studies to back it up.
- Find credible sources. Use reliable sources to check out cancer claims. Try government agencies or other credible organizations. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society are good places to start. Stay away from anyone selling cancer "cures."
- Ask your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and ways to prevent disease. Ask when you should have mammograms and other important screenings.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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