Part 1

Let’s discuss a few of the myths and facts of breast cancer.
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer.
Fact: While more women than men get breast cancer, men can and do develop breast cancer. This year approximately 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and only about 1,600 men.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
Fact: Eight out of ten lumps are benign, meaning not cancerous. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately.

Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will automatically have breast cancer too.
Fact: Women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, but eighty percent of women who have breast cancer do not have a family history of it. If you have a family history of breast cancer (your mother, grandmother, daughter, or sister has breast cancer) you should start receiving mammograms five years before the age of their diagnosis.

I love this next portion.

Five Things to Tell Your Female Friends About Breast Cancer
1. All women are at risk for breast cancer - even those who have no family history of the disease.
2. The two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
3. Survival rates are high for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, when the cancer is small and has not spread. Get annual mammograms beginning at age 40, and start regular breast exams by your doctor and monthly breast self-exams at age 20.
4. Smart strategies to reduce your risk of cancer include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake.
5. Through early detection and improved treatment, more women than ever are beating breast cancer.

So to all the female readers, in the spirit of our “surviving sisters” let’s be proactive and begin to or continue to do the monthly breast exams. Pick a date that you can remember on each month, and on that date, do your exam!

Sources: National Breast Cancer Organization
Breast Cancer Health Center