1. MYTH:
Breast cancer is mainly a genetic disease.

FACT: Up to 70% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases have no identifiable risk factors. Only a very small percentage of breast cancers are related to identifiable gene mutations. A mutation in the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 gene accounts for only 5-10% of breast cancer cases. In addition to family
history, risk factors include being over the age of 50 and prolonged exposure to estrogen.

2. MYTH:
A negative mammogram always means everything is fine.

FACT: Mammography detects between
70-85% of all breast cancers. The addition of sonogram imaging may increase detection to 85-90%. While the vast majority of abnormalities are detected by mammography, some are not detectable with imaging exams. Any lump or other change not interpreted as suspicious by one of these exams may still need physician follow-up.

3. MYTH:
A family history of breast cancer on the dad’s side is not a risk factor.

FACT: It is common belief that family history of breast cancer on the mother’s side is the only determinant of risk. However, a woman’s father contributes 50% of her genetic makeup. Therefore, if the father’s sisters had breast cancer, this can be a significant risk factor for his daughters. Also, other cancers on the father’s or mother’s side — such as prostate — also can be associated with an increased risk of a daughter developing breast cancer.

4. MYTH:
Breast cancer always presents as a lump.

FACT: There can be many warning signs when performing a monthly self-exam. These include subtle changes such as skin thickening or irritation, change in the nipple or breast skin, nipple discharge (especially if only on one side), tenderness or pain that is new and limited to one side, and lumps under the armpit that persist. If you notice any of these changes, visit your physician for a clinical exam — just to be on the safe side. Conversely, breast cancer also can be present without symptoms. That’s why having regular screening mammograms, in addition to self-exams and clinical exams, is so important.

5. MYTH:
Many women don’t realize the strides we’ve made in detecting and treating breast cancer.

FACT: Most breast cancers detected in early stages can be successfully treated. Even women who have aggressive forms of cancer are being treated more successfully every day with new, targeted therapies. Even 20 years ago, the chances of survival for a woman diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer did not nearly approach the 90% or better survival we enjoy today.