13 Breast Cancer Myths You Should Not Believe

Breast cancer is one of the diseases that causes the most deaths in women. Instead of doing routine checks on their breasts to find problems, some women even believe the myths that are circulating around it.

Myths About Breast Cancer You Don’t Need to Believe

There are many myths about breast cancer in society. Unfortunately, the story about this disease is more misleading, so you have to be more aware of it. Here are some types of myths that should not be believed, including:

1. Will not get cancer as long as there is no history in Family

One of the myths that is misguided and often misleading is the problem of cancer and family history. Some people believe that cancer will only occur in those who have a family history of the disease, such as a mother or grandmother. So, someone who doesn’t have that history is safer from cancer.

In fact, all people who have breast glands, both men and women are equally at risk of experiencing breast cancer. That’s what makes cancer happen without having to have offspring first. So, if you don’t have a history of cancer, vigilance must still be exercised.

2. Diagnosis of Breast Cancer equals Death

The development of medical science can increase the life expectancy of cancer patients. Currently, women with breast cancer can recover with a ratio of about 80 percent. The cure rate for cancer is quite high because the disease does not metastasize or spread to other organs in the vicinity.

Most importantly, a woman must maintain good health and maintain a healthy lifestyle so that the cancer in her body completely disappears. Meanwhile, if you live an unhealthy lifestyle, it is very likely that the cancer will reappear.

3. Birth control pills cause breast cancer

In the past maybe birth control pills that contain lots of hormones can cause breast cancer in women. However, current birth control pills contain lower levels of hormones, so they are safe for years of use.

4. Breast Cancer Only Occurs in Older Women

Breast cancer has a slow development and is often undetected, that’s why some cases are detected at an advanced stage when entering the elderly.

Actually, breast cancer can be seen at the age of around 39 years. Unfortunately at this stage the cancer has not been seen and felt clearly.

Therefore, women are advised to Do regular checks on her breasts every day. If there is an abnormal lump, you can immediately go to the doctor to find out whether it is cancer or not.

5. A High-Fat Diet Causes Breast Cancer

A high-fat diet is not necessarily directly associated with breast cancer. Although excess fat can increase estrogen production, fat is still needed by the body. That is why healthy fats such as vegetable fats are still recommended compared to other saturated fats.

6. Breastfeeding Definitely Prevents Breast Cancer

It’s true, having two children before the age of 30 and exclusive breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women. However, the risk of getting this disease is influenced by many things, one of which is lifestyle.

Please note, the reduction in risk is not 100 percent. As long as women have a bad lifestyle, cancer will still occur.

Apart from breastfeeding, a woman should also exercise regularly to reduce the risk of breast cancer, for example jogging lightly during 15-30 minutes per day.

Also Read: 8 Characteristics of Breast Cancer that are Important for You to Recognize

7. The operation spreads breast cancer throughout the body

Surgery does not cause cancer to spread throughout the body. As long as the cancer is not in the final stage and has metastasized, removal can be done. So, it’s wrong to be afraid of having surgery because of this problem, in fact surgery can help heal.

8. Sleeping in a Bra Triggers Breast Cancer

The habit of sleeping while still wearing a bra, especially underwire is said to be able to cause breast cancer.

This assumption is reinforced by several myths which say that wearing a bra while sleeping can cause disruption to lymph flow, causing a buildup of toxins and ending in breast cancer.

In fact, until now there has been no research that proves the link between wearing a bra and breast cancer. Using a tight bra while sleeping is at risk of making blood circulation less smooth, but that doesn’t mean it directly causes breast cancer.

9. Deodorant Triggers Breast Cancer

Research conducted by National Cancer Institute shows that there is no link between breast cancer and the use of deodorant. The same thing was also stated by Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal.

10. Consumption of sugar increases the risk of breast cancer

Often times sugar is also blamed for the risk of other diseases including breast cancer. In fact, without other risks, sugar will not trigger breast cancer.

11. Breast Cancer Caused by Small Breast Size

Until now, there has been no research that states breast size is related to breast cancer risk. However, if it relates to obesity, the size of the size of the breast can indeed be a problem. Because obesity has a role in the development of this type of cancer.

12. A lump in the breast must be cancer

Lumps that appear on the body are often feared as tumor or cancer. In fact, not necessarily the lump is cancer. The condition of the appearance of this lump can be caused by other conditions such as fibroadenoma (benign tumor), lipoma (fatty tumors), or infection.

Also Read: Soy Milk Can Increase Breast Cancer Risk, Really?

Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer in Women

All women are at risk of experiencing the condition, even men can experience it too. However, the risk of cancer can be reduced if you do the following things, including:

• Maintain ideal body weight. Women who are obese are more likely to get breast cancer than those who regularly maintain their weight and try to prevent the appearance of excess fat in the body.
• Exercise regularly every day or at least 3 times a week. In one week try to have a total of about 150 minutes of exercise with low to moderate intensity.
• Limit time spent sitting on a chair. The risk of developing breast cancer can go up to 10 percent if you sit for more than 6 hours. Try to do relaxation every 2-3 hours.
• Limit daily alcohol consumption. Women who consume about 2-3 servings of alcohol per day have a risk of breast cancer about 20 percent greater than ordinary people.
• Limit the number of cigarettes. It is even better if this activity is stopped to prevent carcinogenic cells from appearing and eventually growing.
• Avoid hormone replacement therapy if you have gone through menopause. It’s better to live with the disturbing symptoms than the risk of developing breast cancer is getting higher.

Thus a review of the myths of breast cancer that many believe. We hope that after getting the information above, you will understand more about the facts about breast cancer and its prevention.

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