Ladies, have you ever tried BSE to detect lumps in your breasts? As we know, the BSE (Breast Self-Exam) method is a way to detect breast cancer early. Many women worried after doing an independent examination because they feel a lump in the breast. But actually, a lump in the breast is not always a sign of breast cancer. Check out the following review to find out more about the various myths and facts about breast cancer.
Myth 1: Breast Cancer Only Occurs In Older Women
In fact, breast cancer can occur at any age. Indeed, the majority of breast cancer cases are found in women aged over 50 years, but that doesn’t mean that young women can’t get this disease. Therefore, women of all ages need to self-examine changes in breast size, shape, and texture from time to time.
Myth 2: A Lump In The Breast Is Definitely Breast Cancer
In fact, a lump in the breast doesn’t always indicate that you have breast cancer. Lumps can be benign. Two types of benign tumors are commonly found, namely cysts, which usually appear in women aged 35-50 years or menopause, and breast abscesses, which are lumps that are accompanied by pain and filled with pus.
Changes in the shape of the breasts are also normal in women who are menstruating. The reason is this period causes hormones to fluctuate so that it affects breast changes. Before concluding what type of lump you have, you should see a doctor for a proper examination.
Myth 3: Using Deodorant Causes Breast Cancer
In fact, there are no studies that prove the relationship between the use of deodorants and the occurrence of breast cancer. There is a lot of speculation circulating that the aluminum content and other chemicals in deodorant can be absorbed into the lymph nodes and then spread to breast cells to cause cancer.
There is a theory that deodorant products containing aluminum can increase the risk of breast cancer. However, this hasn’t been proven true yet. Some studies show that the use of products containing aluminum can increase the concentration of aluminum in breast tissue. However, there are no studies that prove the use of deodorant products can cause breast cancer.
Myth 4: If there is no family history of breast cancer, you will not get breast cancer
In fact, most of the history of breast cancer is passed down through the family. If the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes are mutated, it can cause breast cancer or ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of this disease, it is still recommended that you do regular self-examinations or see a doctor if necessary.
Myth 5: Wearing A Bra While Sleeping causes breast cancer
In fact, there are no studies that can prove the relationship between wearing a bra while sleeping with the incidence of breast cancer. The myth circulates that using a bra while sleeping, especially one made of wire, can trigger cancer due to the disruption of lymph flow to the accumulation of toxins that trigger cancer. The conclusion is not true. Wearing a bra while sleeping is up to you, according to your comfort.
Myth 6: Putting your phone in your pocket near your chest causes breast cancer
In fact, there are no studies that prove that cell phones cause breast cancer. So far, studies have only focused on the radiation exposure effect on the risk of brain tumors.
Something that we should know is, that the radiation exposure from cell phones has a low energy level, in contrast to the high radiation levels from X-rays, for example. Although it has not been proven yet, mobile phone manufacturers still recommend to not using the phone too close to the body.
Myth 7: Routine mammogram checks surely can detect breast cancer early
In fact, while mammograms are an excellent screening test, they are still subject to the possibility of misdetection. About 20% of breast cancers are not detected by a mammogram. False-negative results are more common in women with dense breast tissue, which has more glands and connective tissue than fat tissue.
Mammograms indeed can detect breast cancer, but routine self-examination or by a doctor is also important for every woman to monitor for abnormal breast changes.
What other myths do you often hear about breast cancer? Smart women don't trust hoaxes. Ask your doctor directly about the facts only on the Fitie app.