The very mention of breast cancer evokes fear in many. Irrational fear is exploited by certain people who spread misinformation for their selfish interests . Hence it becomes important that the public uses sound logic before believing in baseless rumours. Let's expose the prominent myths that are often associated with breast cancer and try to get the right perspective.
The most common belief is that breast cancer is often determined by genetics. This is true to a great extent as the risk aspect increases considerably if someone in the family has had breast cancer in the past. However one needs to understand that a significant majority suffering from this ailment doesn't have any family history that could support this belief.
There are many who consider consumption of a sugary diet as a possible cause. While there is no denying the fact that cancer cells thrive on sugar, no credible study has backed the belief that excessive sugar consumption in itself triggers breast cancer.
Consistent use of antiperspirants and deodorants is attributed to breast cancer by a few. Their view is that the aluminium content in antiperspirants tends to get absorbed into the skin and causes an imbalance in the estrogen levels thus leading to cancer. This also has been rubbished conclusively by researchers.
Loss of hair is an inevitable outcome of chemotherapy which forms part of breast cancer treatment, however rest assured the loss is only temporary. Within a matter of few months hair tends to grow back.
Excessive usage of the mobile phone and placing the phone in close proximity to the breast is believed to be the cause of breast cancer. This is on account of the radiation emitted by the device. However a positive correlation between the two hasn't been established until now.
Another popular misconception is that breast cancer invariably leads to mastectomy and that the recreated breast won't acquire its former shape. However the truth is that by using either skin tissue from other parts of the body or by inserting implants (silicon or saline) the breast could be recreated to nearly the same dimensions as the original.
Cancer in general and breast cancer in specific isn't contagious. There is no microorganism involved and the condition is on account of a rapid multiplication of cells on account of genetic damage. Unless there is an organ or tissue transplant involving a cancer affected donor, cancer can't spread.
The other myth is that cancers are not preventable, however the data says that 30-55% of cancers are preventable. We might not be able to bring down our risk to zero but can significantly reduce by controlling the modifiable factors that can contribute to breast cancer. Among those factors the prominent ones are giving birth to the first child before the age of 35 years, by adequately breastfeeding for 2 years, by reducing body weight and avoiding sedentary habits, cutting down packaged and precooked junk food, by avoiding hormone replacement therapies after menopause, by assessing the risk of breast cancer before stimulating ovaries in assisted fertility, by avoiding various carcinogens entering the body through cosmetics, toiletries or food kept in plastics that are subjected to extreme temperatures and by avoiding smoking and alcohol as smoking contributes to nearly 33% of cancers.
Mutation of cancer cells could occur on account of a host of reasons and it becomes literally impossible to pin down the exact reason that could have triggered the malady. All that's possible from our side is to adopt a healthy living, undertake regular health checkups, stay away from known causes that induce cancer, remain positive and hope for the best.
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