Think Pinker

Call them urban legends or myths but either way these misguided truths are keeping many women from getting the medical attention required to prevent breast cancer. The myths are also causing undue panic in some at a time when calm should be key.

Let’s look at four common breast cancer myths:

• A lump always means breast cancer: The fact is that 80 percent of the lumps women find are non-cancerous or benign. That said you should always go to your doctors when you do find a lump in your breast.
• A mastectomy is the best way to rid breast cancer: Many women who end up with a dreaded breast cancer diagnosis do not need a mastectomy. Of course every case is different, but your doctor will help you to decide what the best course of action is.
• Mammograms spread breast cancer:This myth goes along with X-Rays spread breast cancer. It simply isn’t true. Beyond that, a mammogram is still the best way to detect breast cancer early in women over the age of 40. Remember, early detection is key.
• Breast cancer is fatal: Breast caner itself is not fatal which is why we now have so many breast cancer survivors today. What makes the disease fatal is when it spreads to other parts of the body such as the vital organs or the lymph nodes. Again it is key to detect breast cancer early so that you can stop the spread of the cancer.

The old saying goes that the truth shall set you free and ThinkPinker.com wants to remind you that in this case, the truth may in fact save your life. Get educated and help spread breast cancer awareness because when you stop to think about it you will realize it is everyone’s job to do so.

Find more breast cancer facts by downloading this pdf from Susan G. Komen.