7 Myths About Breast Cancer

Although many advances have been made in breast cancer detection and treatment over the last quarter century, the fact is we still don't know much about the causes of breast cancer or it's cure. This leaves many of us misunderstanding the facts about breast cancer. It's time we dispel those myths and replace them with what we know is true about breast cancer. Myth: I'm too young to worry about breast cancer.
Fact: While it's true that your breast cancer risk increases as you get older, the fact is that women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer.
See: 5 Reasons Why Young Women Should Perform Monthly Breast Self ExamMyth: There's never been a case of breast cancer in my family so I don't need to worry about it happening to me.
Fact: The truth is the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer don't have a family history of this devastating cancer. However, if your mother, sister, or grandmother ever had breast cancer your risk is significantly increased.
See: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment ToolMyth: I don't have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene so I'm sure breast cancer is not in my future.
Fact: Don't fool yourself! Not having a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene does not mean you won't get breast cancer. Actually, the truth is that almost all women (90 to 95 percent) diagnosed with breast cancer have neither a family history nor mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, according to the American Cancer Society.
See: Understanding the BRCA Gene and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian CancerMyth: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer had more than one risk factor prior to diagnosis.
Fact: All women are at risk for developing breast cancer whether they have known risk factors. In fact, the majority of breast cancer patients had no known risk factors, other than being female, for this frightening disease.
See: Understanding Breast Cancer RiskMyth: Breast cancer is preventable.
Fact: Although a drug classified as an antiestrogen called, Tamoxifen may decrease breast cancer risk in certain women, the cause of breast cancer remains unknown and is not completely preventable. The real key to surviving breast cancer is early detection and treatment.
See: FDA Approves Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Prevention in High Risk WomenMyth: Having yearly mammograms will expose me to too much radiation and cancer will occur as a result.
Fact: According to the American College of Radiology, the benefits of annual mammograms far outweigh any risks that may occur because of the minute amount of radiation used during this screening and diagnostic procedure.
See: Mammography ScreeningMyth: I'm not going to breastfeed because breastfeeding would increase my risk of getting breast cancer.
Fact: Just the opposite is true. Breastfeeding may actually decrease the risk of perimenopausal breast cancer.
See: Breastfeeding Benefits Mom and Baby

Source: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

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Contraceptive Myths - Contr...

During the last hundred years, women were led to believe much about reproductive health that was simply untrue. Young girls were taught that menstruation was unmentionable -- a curse. Pregnant women in labor were often told to put a knife under their bed to "cut the pain." In the early 1900s, birth control was illegal. Great controversy and debate over contraceptive use, even in marriage, existed. Learn about these 10 contraceptive myths.Many women believe that having unprotected sex during menstruation or during the first or last part of their menstrual cycle will keep them from becoming pregnant. While many women may be more likely to become pregnant mid-cycle, the chance of conceiving may be higher than previously thought at any time of the month. Another fact to know: Sperm can live up to 5 days in a woman's body. zSB(3,3)While ovulation and menstruation are not likely to happen while you are regularly breastfeeding your baby, eventually menstruation will return and you may ovulate without knowing it. So, yes it is possible to become pregnant while still breastfeeding your child. This is one of the biggest falsehoods that women believe. Yes, you can get pregnant even if your boyfriend or husband pulls out before ejaculation. Before ejaculation occurs, a small amount of lubricating fluid, which contains sperm, is released. Any vaginal penetration by the penis can result in pregnancy, even if he always pulls out before ejaculation. Vaginal douching, or taking baths or showers after sexual intercourse, will do nothing to help prevent pregnancy. That's because the sperm has already traveled up towards the egg. If you have started your period, you can get pregnant. Generally, younger girls are more fertile than older women and can get pregnant very easily. Don't believe anyone who tells you that you won't get pregnant "just this one time." Insist on protection! Yes, it's true that the Pill is an effective method of birth control when used properly; however, the Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. The only 100 percent foolproof method of preventing an unwanted pregnancy or STDs is abstinence. One time is all it takes to get pregnant or to get a STD. Don't let anyone talk you into having unprotected sex even once, or you may pay for a lifetime through an unplanned pregnancy and the resulting consequences. Take care of yourself and your body and refuse unprotected sex. As long as you are having periods, you can become pregnant. While it is true that the older you get the less fertile you are, you must consider yourself fertile and able to get pregnant until you have been without periods for at least one full year.

After one year without periods, you can forget about birth control and enjoy unprotected sex as long as you are in a monogamous relationship.

zSB(1,2)If it is hard to know when you are going to need to use birth control, try using condoms or the Today Sponge. Both can be saved for use when needed. The Sponge offers the benefit of 24-hour protection, so you can insert it in the morning and be protected all day.

If you use condoms, do not carry them around in your pocket or purse. In addition, using a spermicide with condoms increases their effectiveness.

Unless your doctor has told you that you cannot get pregnant, you need protection. Even if your doctor has told you that you "probably won't get pregnant" without surgery or treatment, use birth control -- my only grandchild was conceived under such circumstances. Other Related Resources & Guide Picksif(zSbL

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