Some final words about breast cancer and being aware.

My story is remains on Yahoo and Multiply;
I hope that what I have shared has helped women in some way. You are always welcome to ask questions. I am closing the topic with this final post, an article on debunking breast cancer myths.

Could that sexy underwire bra cause breast cancer? What about that frozen yogurt you just ordered? Or hormone therapy? And how would you know if you had the disease until it was too late anyway? Don’t some studies show that examining your breasts and getting mammograms are useless?

Amid all the rumors and controversies surrounding breast cancer these days – what causes it, how to diagnose and treat it – it’s hard to know what to think. Or do. One thing we can tell you is that being able to separate fact from fiction could make the difference between life and death. 

Myth 1: Having a risk factor for breast cancer means you’ll develop the disease. No risk factor either alone or in combination with others means you’ll definitely get breast cancer. There are various factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease. Some of these appear to increase your risk only slightly. They include smoking, drinking (more than five alcoholic drinks per week year after year), getting your first menstrual period before age 12, continuing to have periods after age 50, and not having your first full-term pregnancy until after age 30. If you have a number of these, the increase in risk can start to be more meaningful.

  That said, even an inherited genetic abnormality in your family doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get breast cancer. Abnormalities in the so-called breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are very strong risk indicators. But 20 to 60 percent of women with these inherited abnormalities will not develop breast cancer.

 Myth 2: If there is no breast cancer in your family, then you’re not at risk for the disease. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. So are some men! For any individual woman, an inherited abnormality is the strongest risk factor, but only about 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer are due to inherited abnormalities. About 85 percent of women who develop the disease don’t have a family history. That’s why it’s important for all women to get screened regularly. 

Myth 3: Breast cancer is passed only from your mother, not your father. We now know that breast cancer genes can be inherited from your dad’s side of the family. So ask relatives about cases on both sides and in both men and women. About 1,500 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. In fact, male breast cancer is most closely associated with a BRCA2 abnormality. So if there’s a man in the family who’s had breast cancer, be sure to tell your doctor.

 Myth 4: No matter what your risk factors are, you really don’t have to worry about breast cancer until you’re through menopause. The odds of getting the disease do increase as you age. But breast cancer can occur at any age. That’s why all women need to be vigilant. Though experts recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40, your doctor may suggest that you start even earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer at a young age. Mammography isn’t the ideal screening test for women younger than 40 because it can’t “see through” their dense breast tissue. So your doctor may also recommend ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You may be able to enroll in a study of MRI for breast cancer detection for women at increased risk. 

Myth 5: Wearing a bra or using antiperspirants and deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer. These are two Internet rumors that never seem to quit. It’s not true that wearing a bra, especially underwire bras, traps toxins by limiting lymph and bloodflow in your breasts, increasing risk. There’s also no proof for the claims that antiperspirants and deodorants cause cancer by keeping the body from sweating out the cancer-causing substances that build up in the breasts, or because they contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. 

Myth 6: If you have small breasts, you’re much less likely to get breast cancer. Size doesn’t matter. Anyone with breasts can get it. 

Myth 7: Research shows that using hormone therapy (HT)–even for a short period of time–causes breast cancer. Many women were understandably concerned when a major study found that HT combining estrogen and progestin increased risks of invasive breast cancer slightly. Another study also showed that combination therapy boosts breast cancer risk somewhat, however, it was able to offer some reassurance: This risk appeared to return to normal 6 months after women stopped using the therapy. This seems to be the case for women who’ve been on HT for just months and those who’ve used it for more than 5 years. One more thing: It’s important to note that no studies have found a boost in breast cancer risk for women using estrogen-only therapy. This type of therapy is prescribed solely for women who have had hysterectomies, because estrogen taken alone can cause cancer in the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). 

Myth 8: Eating high-fat foods and dairy products boosts your risk. A number of studies have found that women who live in countries where diets tend to be lower in fat have a lower risk of breast cancer. But the majority of studies focusing on women in the US haven’t found a solid link between dietary fat consumption and breast cancer risk. Why are these findings contradictory? It may be that women in other countries are at lower risk for other reasons: They exercise more, eat less, weigh less, smoke less, or have a different genetic profile or environmental interaction that makes them less susceptible. One thing we do know: Postmenopausal obesity is a risk factor that does put you at risk for breast and other cancers, so it pays to maintain a healthy weight. As for dairy products, the study results are mixed. But Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study, a large-scale study of 120,000 women, recently found that premenopausal women who ate a lot of dairy products, especially low-fat and fat-free ones, ran a lower risk of breast cancer. The study found no link between dairy product consumption and breast cancer risk in women who are past menopause. 

Myth 9: Mammograms can prevent breast cancer. A 2003 Harris survey of more than 500 women found that about 30 percent thought mammograms could prevent breast cancer. The truth: While mammograms can detect breast cancer, they can’t prevent it. 

Myth 10: Some studies actually show mammograms are worthless. Two studies, including a review study done by Danish scientists, did suggest that getting a regular mammogram didn’t lower a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer. But several other studies, including one done by the US Preventive Services Task Force, totally disagree. You can maximize the benefit of mammography screening by seeking out the best facilities and staff in your area. Look for the radiology center that handles the most breast cancer cases in the region. Go to a radiologist who specializes in reading mammograms, and ask, “How many mammograms do you read each year?” More tends to be better. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that radiologists who read more than 300 mammograms a month were more accurate.

Thanks for going on my journey. My name is Sue, and a mammogram saved my life.

On to Part 17

philsgal7759 wrote on Nov 1, ’07 thanks for your wonderful story and awareness. And keep going girl.

aladybug wrote on Nov 2, ’07 I loved this!   Thanks for posting it.  You included all the possible Myths.  Especially those related to antiperspirant deodorants and others… I had gotten those emails.  It’s so bad that people take the time to spread so much rumours. Thanks for sharing everything.  Be sure now that I am pretty well informed, so you have in fact helped me a lot!!!  I thank you for that.  It must be painful to share, but it’s also a gift, and hopefully it also brought you deeper healing.  You are a brave woman, Sue!!!! ((((Hugs!))))).

redheadgirl4 wrote on Nov 2, ’07 I’ve heard some of these myths, and this is such important information! Thanks for providing this, and for all of the information you have provided. You very well may have saved lives my friend. Big hugs!

elena5310 wrote on Nov 17, ’07 Thanks for this info. My both breast has been operated on to remove fibro adenoma when I was just 19 years old and still unmarried. The doctors removed 5 cyst (3 on the left and 2 on my right breast) they only found 3 upon diagnosis. I got  married at age 28 and had my first baby. I have 3 children now and all of them were breast feed for at least 2 years each. I was surprised I had plenty of breast milk. Could you believe I also give some of them to my neighbors babies?..lol… That was to share my blessings that God spare me from breast cancer and gave me too much breast milk.. Now I’m 55 and had undergone mammogram for the first time only last year with flying colors. I have 2 realtives who died of breast cancer.

clara1es wrote on Oct 4, ’08 Congratulations on your survival. And for dispelling some of the myths about breast cancer. All women should read it. You are strong and brave. And you are probably saving unknown numbers of lives by posting this information and telling your story. Be blessed with perfect health…

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 15, ’08 An important post.

jayaramanms wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Thank you very much Sue for the thrilling and absorbing story. I have read it fully already on Yahoo 360. I am sure it will be educative and eye-oper to all who have seen this on Breast Cancer awareness. I have put it a word to many of my friends to see your blogs on BCA. Well done my dear friend. Jaya

ladywolf11 wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Very Good , don’t know if I could have been this brave to put my life in here for all to know- but I am so glad you did…. thanks for all your help and knowledge God Bless, hope its a wonderful day for you hugsssssssssssssssss

starfishred wrote on Oct 16, ’08, edited on Oct 16, ’08 A very well done series of utmost importance to each and every woman among us.You did a wonderful job sans souci and we applaud you for it.For you my friend YOU ARE LIKE AN ANGEL TO SO MANY OF US, STAY HEALTHY FOR ANOTHER YEAR MY DEAR FRIEND

lauritasita wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Thanks for all that important information. My  mammogram and ultrasound is scheduled for next month.

lauritasita wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Another thing I heard is that it’s been said that mammograms can cause breast cancer from the radiation, but doctors have said that the radiation level is very low, and the benefits outweigh the risks.  Has anyone heard this ?

starfishred wrote on Oct 16, ’08 lauritasita said Another thing I heard is that it’s been said that mammograms can cause breast cancer from the radiation, but doctors have said that the radiation level is very low, and the benefits outweigh the risks.  Has anyone heard this ? Yes but that is really a myth and a rather bad one.

lauritasita wrote on Oct 16, ’08 I just thought of something else. The growth of fibroids, which are benign tumors, are also based on estrogen levels. It’s important to note that even though fibroids are tumors, they are not cancerous and NEVER develop not cancer, however, it might increase your risk of getting cancer because they are based on estrogen levels. Has anyone heard this ?

starfishred wrote on Oct 16, ’08 lauritasita said I just thought of something else. The growth of fibroids, which are benign tumors, are also based on estrogen levels. It’s important to note that even though fibroids are tumors, they are not cancerous and NEVER develop not cancer, however, it might increase your risk of getting cancer because they are based on estrogen levels. Has anyone heard this ? That is another myth in my family some get these fibroids but in all our history going back 4 generations we have never had cancer show up.On the other hand you shoud still get your exam like the good old Doc says.Also self exam once a month.

lauritasita wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Yeah, a couple of years ago, I suddenly developed a very large fibroid that was growing on the top of my uterus. It was HUGE, like a bowling ball ! I had it embolized at my local hospital (that means they cut offf the blood supply off by injecting tiny pellets that block the arteries from the uterus. This causes the fibroid to shrink over time. It works very well.) The doctors wanted to give me a hysterectomy, but I told them to take a hike. Anyway, I still have it, but it doesn’t bother me anymore.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 jayaramanms said Thank you very much Sue for the thrilling and absorbing story. I have read it fully already on Yahoo 360. I am sure it will be educative and eye-oper to all who have seen this on Breast Cancer awareness. I have put it a word to many of my friends to see your blogs on BCA. Well done my dear friend. Jaya Thank you so much!!! Thank you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 ladywolf11 said Very Good , don’t know if I could have been this brave to put my life in here for all to know- but I am so glad you did…. thanks for all your help and knowledge God Bless, hope its a wonderful day for you hugsssssssssssssssss I am so glad you came, thank you so much, Liz, much appreciation.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 lauritasita said Thanks for all that important information. My  mammogram and ultrasound is scheduled for next month. I’m with you, sis!! Love you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 All I know is, my friends’ mother had chemo and radiation–the cancer returned 10 years later. You can not re-radiate, so she had to have a mastectomy, (which she would have right then the first time, has she known) With me they couldn’t get a clear margin so that wouldn’t have worked in my case.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Dearest Heidi! You are amazing, this is so wonderful, weep, weep! Thank you!!! Love and appreciation!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 They can aim the radiation very specifically–I guess there may be side effects but it’s been in use for quite a while.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 starfishred said That is another myth in my family some get these fibroids but in all our history going back 4 generations we have never had cancer show up.On the other hand you shoud still get your exam like the good old Doc says.Also self exam once a month. Do you mean breast cysts? I have fibrocystic breast disease which makes it difficult to feel anything. It’s most usually benign, and perhaps because of the condition I was seen more and perhaps more closely attended to.

philsgal7759 wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Thanks Sue A friend of mine wrote to tell me her cousin died of breast cancer this morning.. I pray one day we will have a cure

ladywolf11 wrote on Oct 16, ’08 please send our prayers and thoughts to her family, I am so sorry

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Glad you are feeling better, sis.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 It’s so dreadful and needless. I just learned of a former colleague who just had a mastectomy.  I think we are jolted awake when it happens to someone we know. I’m with you, Narice, I do so hope one day we will have a cure.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Tonight on the news there was a story of a MAN in his 50’s who has breast cancer and has the BRCA gene. Sure enough, his daughter in her 30’s has it too. They are undergoing treatment together! A FATHER and DAUGHTER.  I might reiterate that my father’s SISTER and AUNT had breast cancer. I probably got a gene from him.

pestep55 wrote on Oct 16, ’08 Thank you for the kindness and strength in posting this most informative series!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Oct 16, ’08 pestep55 said Thank you for the kindness and strength in posting this most informative series! You are so welcome!

exukbritbrat wrote on Oct 28, ’09 Good morning. I have to tell you! Last night I sat down and without interruption, read, as I said I would your story which is awesome. Not the fact that you had cancer but how you dealt with it. You are without a doubt, an inspiration. I am sure there is a great deal you didn’t write about of that agonizing time but most of us can read between the lines seeing the pain/frustration/disbelief/ and all the emotions that come with tests, diagnosis, treatment. I am so glad that you wrote this . Experiences such as this are to shared because they can help others in their time of bewilderment when they are asking ‘why me?’. Many congratulations. I also have to say that you descriptions of your formative years are wonderful. I could actually see the one breasted women in the showers, laughing!! I love your Jewish words and it is a long time since I’ve heard the word “Yiddish’. Many years ago, a Jewish colleague who later became a friend for life and my daughter’s godmother, told me that I was ‘ so Jewish’ when I announced early on in our relationship, that I was “‘going home to make blinis”!!! As the years went on she became more and more convinced – maybe it had something to do with my maternal Austrian grandmother although I never heard her say she was going to make blinis! Many hugs and thanks for these posts which also took me back to Wake Up Little Susie, juke boxes, boys with slicked back hair a la Elvis Presley, moody looks, raging hormones and teenage angst!!!