Monday, October 6, 2014

Breast Cancer Myths Debunked



 I picked 10 myths about breast cancer. They always show up and make the news but they are just myths.

1. Bras cause breast cancer.
There actually was a recent study showing that this myth is really not sustainable. Really does anyone sincerely think that you get breast cancer from wearing a bra?

2. Breast Cancer is genetic.
Less than 10% of all breast cancers are genetic.

3. Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
Nope there really is not a link.

4. An injury to the chest causes breast cancer.
No one wants a chest injury but it won’t cause breast cancer.

5. Small-breasted women are less likely to get breast cancer.
If only it was true.

6. Large breasted women are more likely to get breast cancer.
Size really does not mater in breast cancer.

7. The radiation in a mammogram can cause breast cancer.
No, the radiation is just a tiny amount.

8. If your mammogram is clean you are 100% breast cancer free.
Know your body. Sometimes a mammogram will not pick up everything.

9. Having an abortion raises your risk for breast cancer.
Unsubstantiated.

10. Breast Cancer is preventable.
I wish that was true.


There are many crazy theories and myths about breast cancer. These 10 are ones I hear all the time. Breast cancer, because there is no cure, is scary and fear drives crazy myths.
Did I debunk any myths for you?




14 comments:

Rena said...

Great post Haralee. Most of these are just ridiculous but when you mix fear with a lack of knowledge hard telling what all you get. Thanks for putting the truth out there. I'm wearing purple and pink this month.

Haralee said...

You have hit the nail on the head! Thanks Rena.

Lori Lavender Luz said...

You did. I'd heard some of these and wondered if they were true. Good go be well-informed!

Haralee said...

Thanks Lori. Glad I can reaffirm and debunk!

Karen @Baking In A Tornado said...

Although I knew most of those, I had no idea that the genetic component was so low. I know that my Mom is a survivor and I have had a scare/biopsy myself. Although I know Mom's isn't genetic, I thought a much higher percentage was. So you've taught me something today.

Haralee said...

I am glad Karen you picked up a fact instead of a myth.

Lana said...

Great post! I agree, fear drives myths. Thanks for sharing the truth!

Haralee said...

Thanks Lana, I appreciate your comments.

Joy Weese Moll (@joyweesemoll) said...

I'm glad 7 isn't true, because I've got a mammogram scheduled for this month!

menopausal mama said...

#2 surprised me---I thought the number would be higher. Interesting….

Haralee said...

Good for you setting it up after your vacation!

Haralee said...

#2 always surprises everyone. We all want to have a feeling that we are safe if no one in the family has disease, but not so much.

Lily Lau said...

I can't believe how many things've been said just to scare women... Ignorant people dare so much to speak and show their ignorance! So a bra can give you breast cancer? And the panties? What do they do? Pff...

Haralee said...

Honestly there was a recent study completeed at University of Washington that totally debunked this myth in most scientific terms. The panties, they were not in the data!