Breast cancer myths and facts

By George Nava True II

Mention breast cancer and many celebrities come to mind. These include Angelina Jolie, Christina Applegate, Shannon Doherty, Sheryl Crow, Olivia Newton-John, Wanda Sykes, and others who have had the disease or are currently fighting it. Since October is breast cancer awareness month, here are some myths and facts about breast cancer that you should know.

FACT: Breast cancer is a leading killer in the Philippines.

One in 13 Filipinas will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society added that the country has the highest prevalence of breast cancer among 197 countries.

MYTH: Breast cancer is caused by wearing tight bras, hitting or pinching the breasts, or having big breasts.

None of the above contributes to breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic said the disease starts when certain breast cells grow abnormally until they form a lump or mass. This often occurs in the milk-producing ducts. As the diseases progresses, the bad cells spread to other parts of the body.

FACT: Breast cancer is inherited.

While many breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease, your risk of getting breast cancer increases if your mother or sister had it at a young age.  About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by gene mutations that can be passed on to other family members. Two of these mutated genes that increase the likelihood of breast cancer are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).

FACT: Being female increases your risk of breast cancer.

Yes, it does. The Mayo Clinic said your risk of getting the disease also increases with age and if you have certain breast conditions such as lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia of the breast. Other risk factors are:

• Radiation exposure to the chest during childhood or young adulthood
• Lose weight if you have to and exercise regularly. The Mediterranean diet that focuses on plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, and nuts may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
• Drinking alcohol. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit it to one drink a day.
• Having your first period before age 12
• Menopause that starts at an older age
• Having your first child after age 30
• Never getting pregnant
• Women who take hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone for menopause

MYTH: Men don’t develop breast cancer.

Yes, they do. This is a rare cancer that occurs in older men. Since men also have a small amount of breast tissue, they can develop the disease.

National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George Nava True II is the author of two medical books and has been writing about health for more than 35 years. For questions, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com.