BREAST CANCER ONLY AFFECTS THOSE WHO HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY.
Myth. Although having a family history of breast cancer can increase your risk, most cases of breast cancer occur in women without a family history of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, about 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Therefore, it is important that all women, regardless of family history, have routine screenings and learn about risk factors for breast cancer.
BREASTFEEDING MAY PROTECT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
True. There is evidence that breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of breast cancer in women. During breastfeeding, the body produces less estrogen, a hormone that can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. In addition, breastfeeding helps deplete breast cells, which can reduce exposure to substances that can cause DNA damage and therefore reduce the risk of mutations that lead to breast cancer.
WHO DOES THE SELF-EXAMINATION DOES NOT NEED A MAMMOGRAPHY
Myth. Breast self-examination is an important practice for women to become familiar with their breasts and identify possible changes, but it should not replace mammography. Mammography is an imaging test that can detect breast cancer early, even before there are symptoms, which increases the chances of successful treatment. It is recommended that women aged 40 years or older have a mammogram every 1-2 years, even if they have no symptoms or changes in their breasts.
Also, it is important to remember that breast self-examination is not an accurate way to detect breast cancer and can lead to false negative or false positive results. Therefore, mammography is an important screening tool and should be performed in conjunction with other practices for the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
USE OF DEODORANTS CAN CAUSE BREAST CANCER
Myth. There is no scientific evidence to prove that using deodorant can cause breast cancer. This is a common concern, but there is no research that has found a clear link between deodorant use and breast cancer. Breast cancer is a complex disease that can be caused by a combination of factors such as age, family history, hormone exposure, lifestyle and environmental factors. However, deodorant use is not considered a significant risk factor for breast cancer. It is important to remember that recommendations for breast cancer prevention include breast self-examination, mammography, healthy eating, regular physical activity and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
OLDER WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP BREAST CANCER
True. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, and most cases of breast cancer occur in women over the age of 50. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2 out of 3 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women age 55 and older. However, this does not mean that younger women cannot get breast cancer. Women of all ages should have routine screenings and be aware of risk factors for breast cancer. It is important to remember that early detection of breast cancer is essential for successful treatment, regardless of a woman's age.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES HELP PREVENT BREAST CANCER
True. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women. Studies show that physical activity can reduce levels of estrogen and other hormones that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, physical activity can help reduce body fat, which can also contribute to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
It is recommended that women engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week to obtain health benefits, including reduced risk of breast cancer. Physical activities can include walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, among others. It is important to remember that physical activity must be combined with a healthy diet and other healthy behaviors, such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, to maximize protection against breast cancer and other diseases.
EVERY BREAST NODULE IS CANCER
Myth. Not every lump in the breast is cancer. In fact, most breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). However, it is important to remember that all lumps in the breasts should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine whether they are benign or malignant.
Lumps in the breasts can be caused by a variety of conditions, including cysts, fibroadenomas and hormonal changes. A healthcare professional can perform tests, such as a mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy, to determine the nature of the lump and assess your risk of breast cancer.
It is important to remember that breast self-examination is not an accurate way to detect breast cancer and may lead to false negative or false positive results. Therefore, it is recommended that women have routine checkups and consult a healthcare professional if they notice any changes in their breasts, including the presence of a lump.
BREAST CANCER HAS NO CURE
Myth. Breast cancer is treatable and can often be cured, especially when diagnosed in the early stages. Breast cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor, the patient's age and other individual factors.
However, it is important to remember that the treatment can have side effects and that not all women with breast cancer will be cured. Therefore, prevention and early detection are essential to improve the chances of cure and survival. It is recommended that women have routine checkups such as a mammogram and consult a healthcare professional if they notice any changes in their breasts.
CHEMOTHERAPY IS INDICATED FOR ALL PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER
Myth. Chemotherapy is not always indicated for all patients with breast cancer. The decision to use chemotherapy depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor, the patient's age, and other individual factors.
Chemotherapy may be recommended for patients with breast cancer in more advanced stages, with tumors that are large, have spread to lymph nodes, or are more aggressive. However, for patients with early-stage breast cancer, chemotherapy may not be necessary. Other treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor, the patient's age and other individual factors. It is important for patients to discuss treatment options with their physician to determine the best course of action for their specific case.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE BREAST CANCER AND NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS
True. It is possible to have breast cancer and not have symptoms. In fact, many cases of breast cancer are detected during routine tests, such as a mammogram, before symptoms appear.
However, some symptoms that may indicate the presence of breast cancer include the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in the size or shape of the breast, changes in the texture of the skin of the breast, redness or scaling of the nipple, discharge or bleeding from the nipple, and breast pain.
It is important to remember that not all lumps in the breasts are cancerous and that many times the symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is essential that women have routine tests such as a mammogram and consult a health professional if they notice any changes in their breasts. Early detection of breast cancer is essential to increase the chances of cure and survival.
0 Comentários