This section outlines some of the common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer. False rumors about breast cancer are becoming more frequent with the increased use of email and the Internet. For example, a recent inaccurate e-mail message was widely circulated stating that the use of antiperspirants is a leading cause of breast cancer. The purpose of this section is to dispel false rumors about what causes breast cancer, how the disease develops, and how different treatment options affect patients.

Myths About Developing Breast Cancer

• Only Women Get Breast Cancer
• Only Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer are at Risk
• Breast Cancer is Mainly a Genetic Disease
• Older Women are Less Likely to Get Breast Cancer Than Younger Women
• Breast Cancer is Contagious
• All Breast Lumps are Cancerous
• A Woman with Lumpy Breasts is at High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Small-Breasted Women Cannot Get Breast Cancer
• Fibrocystic Change Increases a Woman’s Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Drinking Coffee Increases a Woman’s Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
• Antiperspirants are a Leading Cause of Breast Cancer
• Pesticides, Lawn Chemicals, and/or Dry Cleaning Services Cause Breast Cancer
• If a Woman is Diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS), She Will Get Breast Cancer
• Breast-Feeding Causes Breast Cancer
• Nipple Discharge Indicates Breast Cancer
• Underwire Bras Cause Breast Cancer
• An Injury to the Breast Causes Cancer
• Oral Contraceptive Pills (Birth Control Pills) Cause Breast Cancer
• The Statistic "One In Eight" Means That if Eight Women are Randomly Selected, Then One of Those Eight Women is Guaranteed to Get Breast Cancer

Myths About Breast Cancer Screening/Detection

• A Mammogram Prevents Breast Cancer
• A Mammogram Causes Breast Cancer
• Mammography Is 100% Accurate in Early Breast Cancer Detection
• Mammography Always Finds Cancer When it is Curable
• Breast Cancer Always Presents Itself in the Form of a Lump
• If a Breast Lump is Painful, Then it is Not Cancerous
• The Best Place to Practice Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is in the Shower

Myths About Breast Cancer Treatment and After Care

• If a Woman is Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, She will Lose Her Breast
• Mastectomy Ensures Breast Cancer Will Be Eliminated Forever
• Women Who Have Prophylactic (Preventive) Mastectomy Will Not Develop Breast Cancer
• Chemotherapy Will Make a Woman’s Hair Fall Out
• Older Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Do Not Need "Full" Treatment
• Women Who Have Had Breast Cancer in the Past Should Not Become Pregnant

CONTINUED

1 | 2 | Next >