October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Premier Medical Group wants you to know the facts… and not the myths!
It’s hard to dispel myths that have been around for decades. Like, “drinking milk causes breast cancer” or “breast cancer is contagious” or even, “men can’t get breast cancer”. Let’s get give you some facts so you won’t be misinformed and also so you can make educated decisions about early detection and what to look for.
Myth #1 – Drinking milk can cause breast cancer.
Truth – Studies have shown that dairy consumption does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer. For more information about cancer and your diet, visit this article.
Myth #2 – Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
Truth – Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer, but if you do find a lump, have it checked by your physician.
Myth #3 – Men don’t get breast cancer.
Truth – Approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 410 of those will die. Men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.
Myth #4 – A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
Truth – Breast compression during a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread and the risk from radiation exposure is extremely low.
Myth #5 – Breast cancer is contagious.
Truth – You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else.
The main truth is that breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast.
You can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle and follow an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.
At Premier Medical Group, we’ll help you improve your overall health. It is all a part of “Full Circle Care.” Contact us today.