- Finding a lump on your breast means you have breast cancer
- An abnormal mammogram means I have cancer
Although an abnormal mammogram can be worrying but 9 out of 10 people who go for further intensive testing do not have breast cancer. There are various reasons why a mammogram may come out as an abnormal result including; fluid filled sacs also known as cysts, small solid nodules commonly known as fibroadenomas that are not cancer and small calcium deposits otherwise known as benign calcifications. These reasons are not dangerous nor are they cancerous
- Breast cancer isn’t very common
In fact, 1 in 8 North American women will be affected by this disease
- Only women with a family history of breast cancer will be affected
A very common myth but the truth is that 80% of women that are diagnosed with this have no family history. Therefore, it is vital that you understand that you still stand a risk of developing this even though no one in your family carries this gene.
- Women with small breast cannot get breast cancer
Breast cancer does not discriminate according to size. All shapes and sizes are at risk of developing breast cancer.
- Regular mammograms cannot detect small tumors any sooner than women could find them themselves
It is important to get regular mammograms done because it can find cancer before it has the ability of becoming more intense. Screening mammograms detect small tumors approximately 2-3 years before they can be felt.
- Men cannot get breast cancer
- Having a mammogram can cause breast cancer, or form an already existing cancer to spread
- Women who have breast implants cannot have mammograms done
- There is nothing a woman can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer
- Monthly self examination is the best way to find breast cancer early
- Mammograms catch every breast cancer
- Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
- Cellphone use causes breast cancer
- Thermography is an effective breast screening tool
- Wearing an underwire bra can cause breast cancer