7 myths about breast cancer you should not believe
Kwatsaduza - October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is common for people to associate cancer with a death sentence because of the myths that surround the disease.
Here are seven popular myths and facts about breast cancer
• Myth – Breast cancer affects only females.
Fact – Men can also get breast cancer. Even though it is not as common in men as in women, men should also do regular check-ups.
• Myth – Young women don’t get breast cancer and don’t have to worry about getting check-ups.
Fact – It is recommended that young women from the age of 20 do self breast examinations every month and get a medical exam every three years.
• Myth – Breast cancer is infectious.
Fact – One cannot get breast cancer by being in contact with someone who has it.
• Myth – Breast cancer is a generic disease.
Fact – There is no concrete proof that one can get breast cancer because family members have it or there is someone who has it. It is an individual’s choice to be cautious and go for regular mammograms and medical checkups.
• Myth – Women with smaller breasts are not at risk of getting breast cancer.
Fact – The size of your breasts doesn’t determine whether or not you are at risk of getting breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs in the same area of the breast.
• Myth – Breast cancer always appears as a lump.
Fact – You will not always develop a lump in your breast when you have breast cancer.
• Myth – Black people don’t get breast cancer.
Fact – Breast cancer occurs in people of all races. It is false that a certain race doesn’t get cancer.
Read: Breast cancer is also a man’s disease
Read: Facts about breast cancer
