Breast Cancer Myths

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, myths and tales about the disease immediately are brought out of the closet and shared.  These myths, legends, and old wives tales are frightening and can cause untold stress and anxiety.  Let’s look at some of those myths.

Stress Causes Breast Cancer:  False.  Multiple studies have failed to prove that stress, fear, anxiety, and emotional trauma cause breast cancer.  People who go through life relaxed and unruffled have the same risk of breast cancer as the person who is stressed.

Smog And Pollution Are Not Linked To Breast Cancer: False.  There is a proven connection between certain chemicals and breast cancer.  We are exposed to thousands of different chemicals during out lifetime.  They are found in the foods we eat and the air we breathe and by direct contact with the skin.  Pesticides may offer the largest cancer risk.  They have been used extensively for crop and animal protection and in controlling insects that carry diseases.  Scientists are concerned for people in professions who are in constant contact with chemicals.  This group includes, hairstylists, cosmetologists, lab workers, and workers in pharmaceutical industries.  Chemicals can and do increase our risk of developing cancer.

Positive Thinking Will Prolong Your Life After Breast Cancer: False.  No evidence proves this to be the case.  It’s normal for a person to have feelings of depression, sadness, anger, or fear after their diagnosis.  Putting on a happy face may cause you to feel isolation and hinder your ability to cope with your cancer treatment.  Positive thinking may get you out of bed in the morning and keep you going through nausea, sickness, and pain.  A positive attitude about your cancer is important, but there isn’t any proof that it prolongs your life.

Finally, If You Get Breast Cancer You Will Probably Die: False.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.  It is second to lung cancer.  However, survival rates for breast cancer are at an all-time high.  The survival rate for women with breast cancer stands at 86 percent.  That means that 86 out of every 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer will be survivors.

Don’t listen to myths and tales.  Ask your doctor any questions you may have and if you would like further information, contact the American Cancer Society.  There are many excellent sources of information on the Internet, at the library, and through private organizations.  It also may help if you join a breast cancer support group.  They will listen to your questions and provide valuable information because they have been where you are now.  Your doctor can give you information for the groups in your area.

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