What is fake news and what is the truth behind breast cancer? Find out the true facts behind these 5 common myths and those at risk.
Superstitions and myths can be found all around the world. In conjunction with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in an effort to promote a Healthier October, we at Fave want people to understand the differences between fake news and the truth. Learn the truth behind these 5 common myths about breast cancer.
Myth 1: Wearing bras that are too tight or for too long can give you breast cancer
This particular belief about bras can be found among aunties of an older generation. Many young women have been raised on the idea that wearing a tight brassiere can lead to breast cancer, so push-up bras and the like are a no-no.
“Don’t wear so tight! Not good for you, after you get the cancer la, haiyah.”
Sound familiar?
Truth: Relax, ladies, it’s all a lie.
According to a recent research, there hasn’t been any relationship found between breast cancer and bras. Cancer isn’t around the bend, regardless of cup size, underwire, or how old you are when you started wearing one. Your comfort is your priority, and getting the right measurements for your bust size can ensure the most comfortable support attainable. Embrace those ladies with the measuring tapes at La Senza and XIXILI.
So for all of you out there, whether you like lacy push-up bras, sports bras, or binders, all the (lingerie) world is your oyster!
Myth 2: Deodorants and antiperspirants give you cancer
Smelling good has long been expected of everyone. Scented perfumes and powders have been around for centuries, and with the steady availability of water, so have scented shower gels and shampoos. Everyone likes smelling good, be it with flowers, Old Spice, Chanel No. 5, or even just baby powder.
Anything but those cancer-causing deodorants on the market.
Deodorants and antiperspirants use chemicals to scent their products. So once they’re applied under your armpits, those nasty chemicals get absorbed into your skin. That causes cancer cells to form in the area, i.e., your bust.
…right?
Truth: Not really.
Many women are told to choose between being comfortably sweat-free or having cancer-free breasts. This is due to a long-standing fear of aluminium compounds in found sprays and roll-ons. The names of parabens and other non-organic components of body products may sound scary, but most of them are harmless. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute studied over 1,500 women in 2002, and found no link between the occurrence of cancer and the use of antiperspirants.
So spritz away, ladies!
Myth 3: If there is no history of breast cancer in your family, you’re safe
Taking pride in your heritage and genetic bloodline isn’t a sin. Musicians like Will.I.Am and Ludacris often sing praises about women who inherit certain… aspects from their mothers. When it comes to hereditary illnesses, having a gene pool that is the exception is something to be relieved about. If your mother and her mother’s mother’s mother didn’t have breast cancer, that means you won’t get it.
Truth: Unfortunately, that is not the case.
While having no family history of cancer lessens the likelihood of you getting it, cancer can happen to anyone. Lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption, smoking, and eating habits can play a key role in influencing the chances of someone getting breast cancer.
So take note, ladies and gents. Even if your family history is squeaky clean, always be sure to treat your body like a temple.
Myth 4: Power lines, microwaves, and electronic devices can give you cancer
You’ve probably heard all the things older folks say about radiation. Microwaves, laptops, and cell phones will give us cancer from the radiation. Lying down with your laptop on your belly will make you infertile, so will standing too close to the microwave while it’s on. Cancer and radiation often go hand-in-hand when it comes to finding out cause and effect, but it boils down to the lack of knowledge among the general populace.
Truth: While it’s true that these electronic devices emanate some form of electromagnetic waves, none of them are particularly harmful enough to cause cancer.
A landmark study done in 2003 covered the subject extensively, and found no true correlation between environmental exposures and breast cancer. Instead, the study found a steady pattern of pre-existing risk factors among women, including increased age, having a family history of breast cancer, and having a first child at a later age (age 28 or older in this study).
Your lazy mornings in with your laptop on your chest and Netflix playing are safe.
Myth 5: Only women get breast cancer
A long-held belief in society is that women are the only ones who can get breast cancer. It makes sense, right? Only women have breasts.
Truth: Cancer affects breast tissues, and since everyone has them, men can get breast cancer as well.
The uglier truth is that men are susceptible to breast cancer just the same as women. Granted, women are 100 times more likely to be affected, but the American Cancer Society has estimated that over 2,000 new cases of breast cancer in men has occurred in the last year alone. Of those 2,000 cases, an estimate of 450 men has died from the illness, most probably due to a lack of awareness.
A common reason why this myth has been held as truth for so long is mostly due to the fact that people genuinely believe that men and women have different working parts up top.
Male and female breasts might not look or develop the same way, but the tissue and muscles that make up the upper body are essentially the same. Men have the same fatty tissue underneath their skin that women have, though in lesser quantities.
Men even have milk ducts, believe it or not.
It’s just as important for men to get checked if they think they’re experiencing discomfort or strange lumps. Women whose fathers have been diagnosed with breast cancer are also at equally high a risk as those with a history of cancer from their mother.
Still got questions about breast cancer? Check out this post on our blog and learn a little more about the resources readily available for you. You can also donate to the cause here, where proceeds will go towards the National Cancer Council (MAKNA) and their initiatives to spread cancer awareness, provide financial support to cancer patients, many others.
