1 out of 13 women will experience breast cancer at one point in their life. That’s a big thing to carry on your plate while balancing being a mother, daughter, sister, and career woman. What we can do to protect ourselves is being more knowledgeable about the facts and know the difference between a myth and a fact. There are many beliefs out there telling us what to do and what not to do but never explain to us why. These are the 5 major lies you might have heard about breast cancer and why it's just NOT true.
1. No family history means no possibility of breast cancer
Breast cancer is mainly caused by genetic defects in one’s DNA. Thus a large population believe that a lack of family history means that they are unlikely to get breast cancer. In fact only 5-10% of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Majority of the cases (90-95%) are caused by lifestyle and environment such as vices, eating habits, and level of inactivity. Over time, healthy breast cells can develop mutations on their own, eventually turning into cancer cells.
2. Wearing and carrying your phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
A long standing myth perpetuated by the media states that wearing and carrying a cellphone in your bra increases the risk for breast cancer. Bras, especially those with an underwire, are said to restrict lymph fluid thus causing toxic substances to build up. There is no substantial evidence to support this claim as a 2014 study discovered no link between breast cancer and wearing a bra. There were cases of younger women who supposedly developed breast cancer after habitually carrying their phone in their bra. The idea was further pushed by Dr. Oz by warning women not to do so. Evidence suggests no proven link between the two to support the claim.
3. Breast cancer will always be a lump you feel
A lump on your breast doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. A small percentage of breast lumps are eventually discovered to be cancerous; others are benign (not cancer). A persistent mass or change in your breasts should be checked by your physician. A lack of lump through self-examination should not be taken as an excuse as those are unable to indicate breast cancer tissue contained in the lymph node.
4. Breast cancer is only for older women
1 in 25 breast cancer cases occur in women under the age of 40. All women should take precautions such as self-exams, be aware of any unusual changes, and regularly consult with their clinician. Women in 20s and 30s can get breast cancer and it’s better to start sooner rather than later.
5. You don’t need to worry about breast cancer after your treatment
When people undergo breast cancer treatment they are expected to move on and return to normal afterwards. Some treatments last for years and the effects can last for a long time, some even for the rest of their lives. These side effects range from physical to mental and emotional such as pain, fatigue, skin changes, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, menopausal symptoms, depression, anxiety, and fear.
As women what we can do is to equip ourselves with knowledge and products that can help us from prevention to diagnosis and hopefully remission. Simply Nature PPARS can help with that as it uses the power of an all natural high grade micro-algae. Through accessing the cell’s nucleus it can modify and modulate the body to perform in harmony. It results in a better immune system, starving cancer cells, reducing inflammation, and minimizing the spread of cancer.
*Edited by Rez Maninang.