Winda Saintil
Staff Writer
I’m sure by now many of you have seen pink ribbons, pink buses, and so on. October is breast cancer awareness month, and I would like to clarify some common misconceptions about the disease, as well as give insight into what causes it. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, some common myths include:
1. Breast injuries cause cancer.
2. Breast cancer affects only middle-aged or older women.
3. Men cannot get breast cancer.
4. Breast pain or discomfort is a sign of breast cancer.
5. A lump in your breast indicates breast cancer.
Sometimes a cancer diagnosis will follow a breast injury because the injury will draw attention to a lump that was already present. Some injuries can lead to breast cancer, but this is not common. Health providers are made aware of tumors because additional imagining has to be performed when an injury takes place to determine the full scope of the injury.
Breast cancer does affect middle-aged and older women on a large scale. However, this disease does not discriminate; it can affect anyone at any point in their life. The risk of developing this condition does increase with one’s age. Breast cancer in men usually appears as a hard lump underneath the nipple. Men have a higher mortality rate because they have not received proper education on the illness, and this leads to them seeking treatment at a much later stage which makes treatment difficult.
Breast pain does not indicate cancer. It can be a result of other factors such as hormonal changes, wearing bras that are the incorrect size or are uncomfortable such as underwire bras, and so on. Still be mindful of any changes in your chest area. These changes can include swelling, nipple changes or nipple pain, changes in the skin or discharge, and breast pain in one area or specific areas that does not go away. Lumps are not always cancer, but they should not be ignored especially if you keep noticing them.
When it comes to cancer, there are many things that cause it. As stated by the CDC, Breast Cancer can be caused by getting older, genetic mutations, starting menstruation before age 12 and starting menopause after 55, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and chest radiation.
On the other hand, it is more important to focus on factors that you can control such as limiting your drinking habits, having your first child before 30 if you can, staying physically active, and losing weight. It is very important to look out for signs and symptoms as well as schedule regular mammograms and doctor’s appointments. Work with your provider to figure out a plan and regimens that will work better for you. If you do not have regular access to health services, there are a number of organizations that provide screenings and related services. They can be located by doing a google search or contacting agencies in your local community.
sainw29@mail.broward.edu
