Women still believe breast cancer myths!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 28, 2013 11:04 am

Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness Month In the news

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According to a new survey, women still believe breast cancer myths than perform regular exercise. As many as 66% of the women surveyed said that they don’t exercise daily for 30 minutes, which is recommended for reducing the chances of breast cancer. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

Helen Zorbas, the CEO of Cancer Australia urged woman to exercise daily and limit their alcohol intake so as to reduce their chances of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Australia, with as many as 15 thousand new cases of the disease expected in the coming year.

Top breast cancer myths

Myth# 1: Only women over 40 need to worry about breast cancer

Living with this false belief can be dangerous. Breast cancer can affect an individual of any age. The disease is more common in post-menopausal women, but 20 per cent of women with breast cancer are younger than 40. Hence, younger women should have their breasts examined by a doctor at least once a year; and begin regular mammographic screening after they turn 40. Though, there is a low risk of a breast mass in younger women being cancerous, but if you feel a growth, it’s always advisable to have it checked as soon as possible. (Read: ‘Breast cancer is not preventable’ (Expert interview))

Myth#2: Men can’t get breast cancer

Because of their anatomy, it’s believed that only women get breast cancer. The truth is that although women develop breast cancer at a much higher rate, men can develop breast cancer, too. In fact, in the US alone, about 1600 men will develop breast cancer by the end of this year. The symptoms and the treatment of the disease in men is the same as that in women. Just as in women, the risk in men also increases with advancing age. (Read: Man struck with breast cancer twice!)

Myth#3: Antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer

A lot of people believe that if you get a cut near your breast [while shaving your armpits] and you use an antiperspirant or deodorant over that area, it leaks into the skin, which causes breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence supporting this belief. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, carried out to investigate a co-relation between antiperspirants and breast cancer, found no increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women who used antiperspirants. The study concluded: there are other factors that cause breast cancer, and antiperspirants aren’t one of them. (Read more: Breast cancer: Top 10 myths busted)

Well, this breast cancer awareness month we spoke to our expert Dr Sumeet Shah, a renowned oncologist, who specializes in treating breast cancers, about the disease and busting some myths commonly attached to it.

Is breast cancer preventable?

No. Breast cancer is NOT preventable. Hence, it is essential to detect it early, so as to ensure a maximum survival. However, we can bring about certain changes in our lifestyle, which may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. They can be:

Regular exercise. It could be in any form brisk walking, gym, aerobics, yoga etc. 45 minutes of daily exercise has definitely shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer
Healthy food and sleeping habits. Junk food cannot be completely avoided, but we can make a resolution that Mon to Sat to eat healthy home food, and Sunday can be left for outside food. This is especially important for the younger generation, as healthy habits have to be formed now. Once a faulty habit is formed, it’s difficult to change.
Eat more fruits . ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’, the adage is actually true.
Battle stress away. Easier said than done, but stress is a silent killer. Stress depresses our body’s immunity (our body’s resistance mechanism), and so decrease the capacity of our body to fight off a cancer cell. Don’t worry, be happy! (Read: ‘Breast cancer is not preventable’ (Expert interview))

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Published : October 28, 2013 11:04 am

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