Breast Cancer: Let’s Explore a Few Myths
Did you know October is
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? You may have heard a fact or two about breast cancer over the years that you’ve had misgivings about, and
with good cause. Not all the information out there is accurate. Here are some common myths about breast cancer as reported by
www.breastcancer.org.
Myth: Breast cancer only affects older women.
Fact: The risk of breast cancer increases as we age, but that doesn’t mean that only older women are vulnerable. Breast
cancer can—and does—occur at any age.
Myth: If you have no family history of breast cancer, you have no risk of developing the disease.
Fact: According to
www.breastcancer.org,
the majority of newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease. The presence of the disease in your family
does suggest increased risk, but the absence does not indicate immunity.
Myth: Eating high-fat foods causes breast cancer.
Fact:There is no evidence that high-fat foods directly cause cancer. However, as both the
National Cancer Institute and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite excess body
weight as a risk factor, you should avoid a high-fat diet anyway.
Myth: Monthly self-exams are the best way to diagnose breast cancer.
Fact: Monthly self-exams are just one tool in your cancer-detecting arsenal. Some breast cancers reveal themselves to self-exams,
and some are only detected via mammography. The best approach to early detection makes use of both methods.
Women age 40 or older are entitled to one TRICARE-covered mammogram every year as part of their benefit, with no authorization required.
Mammography can detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment may be more effective. According to the American Cancer Society,
numerous studies have shown that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. You can find out more about your TRICARE
mammography benefits though TriWest’s
Benefits search page,
while you can learn more about breast cancer itself by visiting
www.cancer.gov
and
www.breastcancer.org.
Published Date:
09/23/2008
