Most people think they know all there is to know about breast cancer. It is one of the best publicized health concerns, as it is one that affects the wellness and wellbeing of millions of women around the world. Yet there are actually a large number of misconceptions about breast cancer.
One of the biggest myths is that this disease only affects women over the age of 40. This is entirely false, and in fact believing this myth can be dangerous as it causes younger women to become complacent about checking their breasts, as they feel they are not at risk. Breast cancer can actually affect anyone at any age. It is most common in post-menopausal women, but around 20 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women who are under the age of 40. Regular breast examination is, therefore, essential for women of all ages, and women who are older should also attend their regular mammographic screening.
If you do find a lump when checking your own breasts, try not to panic. Most of the growths that women find turn out to be non-cancerous, but of course it is vital to go to your doctor and make sure that this is the case for you.
Another commonly held myth is that men can’t get breast cancer. This is entirely untrue, as men can develop breast cancer. Around 1,600 men in the US alone will develop breast cancer this year. Although women do develop breast cancer at a much higher rate, men are at increased risk of mortality from the disease as they do not have the same awareness of the disease (and there is a stigma around it for men, too). The symptoms and treatment are the same in men or women, however, so it is important that men are ‘breast aware’ too.
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