Silhouette

Issue date: 10/19/06 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Nick Snyder Vickie Owston, St. Catherine Hospital mammographer, explains the procedure of the mammogram and self-examination for Breast Cancer Awareness. October is breast cancer awareness month.

Cancer myths

MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have cancer.

TRUTH: Eight out of ten lumps are benign. If you discover a persistent lump, it is important to see a physician immediately. Many times fear keeps women from health care.

MYTH: Men do not get breast cancer.

TRUTH: This year, 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,600 men will be diagnosed.

MYTH: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

TRUTH: An X-ray of the breast is called a mammogram. The pressure on the breast from the X-ray cannot cause cancer to spread.

MYTH: Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get breast cancer.

TRUTH: Most women who have breast cancer have had no family history of the disease.


1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime
•Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer in women
•80% of all breast lumps found are non-cancerous
•Estimated, 70-75% of women diagnosed, have no known risk factors
•Early detection breast cancer increases treatment options
•American Cancer Society recommends self-examination

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