It is expected that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. During this time, Millennium Medical Group encourages everyone to educate themselves and the people around them about breast cancer.
Myth 1: Men can’t get breast cancer.
Men are 100 times less likely than women to develop breast cancer. Yet, there are over 2,000 men each year who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Myth 2: Only women with a family history can develop breast cancer and that your father’s family history does not matter.
Did you know that 70 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer had no identifiable risk factors? The history of breast cancer on your father’s side is just as important as your mother’s in determining your chances of developing breast cancer.
Myth 3: It is impossible to get breast cancer after getting a mastectomy.
Getting a mastectomy reduces the chances of someone developing breast cancer by an average of 90 percent. There is not a preventative measure that can cause someone to never get breast cancer.
Myth 4: There is nothing that you can do to decrease your chances of breast cancer. You can only just check for the signs.
Making lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Making small changes such as getting regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight , or getting regular screenings can help reduce your risk.
Myth 5: Women with fibrocystic breasts have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.
There is no known connection between fibrocystic breasts and the development of breast cancer. It may be more difficult to differentiate between normal and cancerous tissues. Women with fibrocystic breast normally follow their mammogram with an ultrasound.
Recognize the signs:
- Nipple tenderness
- Lump development
- Change in texture or enlargement of pores
- Change in the size or shape of nipple
- Swelling or shrinkage in breast size
- Nipples appearing inward or inverted
- Clear discharge or bloody discharge
Share this information with others in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Schedule your appointment for a mammogram with Millennium Medical Group today in Michigan.
