Almost all of us have had a friend or loved one affected by breast cancer. In fact, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women (only exceeded by skin cancer). The best way to beat cancer is to take preventative measures – the more you know the better off you will be. Following are some common myths about breast cancer that need to be dispelled, and more information about the disease that you deserve to know.

Breast cancer only affects older women.
FALSE: Breast cancer is definitely more common in older woman, but it can occur at any age.

If you have a risk factor for breast cancer, you’re likely to get the disease.
FALSE: Some factors, like heredity, can make you more susceptible to getting breast cancer – but nothing is ever 100 percent certain. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer and have a history of the disease in your family, it is important that you practice regular cancer screenings, so that your doctor can detect any abnormalities that may arise.

If breast cancer doesn’t run in your family, you won’t get it.
FALSE: Every person has some risk of breast cancer; your risk may be increased however if you have a history of the disease in your family. The single, largest risk for cancer is actually the advancing of age.

Using antiperspirants causes breast cancer.
FALSE: There is no scientific evidence linking antiperspirants to cancer.

Finding a lump automatically means breast cancer.
FALSE: The majority of lumps found in the breast are benign (do not contain cancer). However, you should consult a physician whenever you feel a lump to make sure that it is not dangerous.

Men can’t get breast cancer.
FALSE: Each year, about 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While the disease is less common for males, even they should practice routine self-exams and report any unusual lumps to a physician.

Breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.
FALSE: There is absolutely no evidence that implants increase the risk of breast cancer. Implants may however, require more X-rays in addition to standard mammograms to more clearly examine the breast.

For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the best treatment is sometimes a mastectomy, or the removal of one or both breasts. Dr. McCluskey is highly experienced in breast reconstruction surgery, a procedure to construct a new, natural-looking looking breast or breasts after a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can be a positive way to boost confidence and return to a normal life after battling this debilitating disease.

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Tags: breast cancer, breast reconstruction, mastectomy, paul mccluskey, plastic surgery institute of atlanta

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 at 12:54 pm and is filed under Educational. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.