Busting breast cancer Myths with facts

Myth: The most important risk factor for developing breast cancer is a family history of the disease.

Facts: Majority of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Only 5% to 10% of breast tumors have a strong family history (genetic risk). Those with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations face a substantial lifelong risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Not everyone who is BRCA positive develops breast or ovarian cancer. The genetic test should be considered only if there is a considerable family history of breast cancer (high risk group), and only after thorough genetic counseling.?

The group at high risk:

*At least one close relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40.

?* Two or more close relatives, at any age, who have had breast cancer

?* Close relatives with breast cancer and others with ovarian cancer

* One close family with breast cancer in both breasts (bilateral) or breast and ovarian cancer

* Male relative with breast cancer

Cancer in youth

Myth: Breast cancer does not affect young women.

Fact: Although the majority of breast cancers in the Western world occur in women over the age of 50, they can occur at any age. The majority of breast cancers in India are identified in younger women, with the peak incidence occurring between the ages of 40 and 50. This could be due to the fact that we are a young country (87% of India's population is under the age of 50).

Myth: Childbirth and breastfeeding prevent breast cancer.?

Fact: Any circumstance that results in continuous exposure to the hormone estrogen for an extended period of time has the potential to cause breast cancer. Having your first pregnancy after the age of 30 and not nursing can increase your chances of developing breast cancer.

Myth: Mammograms can cause breast cancer?

Fact: Mammography uses a small amount of radiation, and the harm to one's health is negligible. The radiation dose delivered during mammography is the same as having a dental X-ray and does not cause breast cancer. After the age of 40, the benefits of an annual screening mammogram substantially outweigh any dangers.

Cancer and men

Myth: Men are immune to breast cancer.

Fact: Many people are unaware that males can develop breast cancer since they believe men do not have breasts. Men and women both have breast tissue. Every year, a tiny number of males are diagnosed with breast cancer. Although exact figures in India are unclear, roughly 350 new cases of breast cancer in men are diagnosed in the United Kingdom each year (approximately 1% of all breast cancers).

Sharing these facts with your employees may save a life. Send them off in a newsletter, share this blog, or print a list to hang in the break room. The following facts are from the?National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ?and?American Cancer Society ,?which offer excellent resources to learn more about breast cancer.?

·?????? Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide

·?????? 1 in 8 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis

·?????? On average, every 2 minutes a female is diagnosed with breast cancer

·?????? 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes

·?????? Alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer

·?????? Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the U.S. today?

·?????? An estimated 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer?

·?????? 1 in 1,000 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis

·?????? Breast cancer?occurrence?and death rates generally increase with age

·?????? Only 5-10% of individuals diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer

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