6 delusional about breast cancer, about which it is time to forget

The more dangerous and complex the problem, the more myths and delusions surround it. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of female oncology, but most people know too little about it, and because of their ignorance, they believe rumors.

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Since, unfortunately, no one is immune from oncology, it is very important to understand that it is breast cancer with a high probability that it can be defeated, especially if the problem is detected at an early stage and correctly selected treatment. At the same time, some myths about the causes of the disease, diagnosis and treatment can cause irreparable harm.

MYTH 1. MAMMOGRAPHY INCREASES THE RISK OF CANCER

During mammography, you really receive a certain dose of X-ray radiation, but it is much less than, for example, with fluorography. Such an insignificant amount of X-rays, according to doctors, cannot in any way affect the increase in the probability of cancer. In addition, there are alternative screening methods, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound, but they may not always be used.

MYTH 2. THE MAIN RISK FACTOR IS POOR INHERITANCE

This is not quite a myth, but not everything is so clear-cut. Indeed, predisposition to mutation of BRCA genes can be inherited, but only through the female line and not always. In order to find out whether you have a genetic predisposition, you should undergo a screening examination. The probability of inheritance is higher if two or more relatives, for example, mother and sisters, were sick, and only if the disease began before the onset of menopause. If your grandmother or aunt had breast cancer after menopause, the risk of inheritance is less than 1%.

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MYTH 3. AN UNDERwired BRA CAN CAUSE CANCER

It is widely believed that bra bones can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances and mechanical impact, which can lead to a reduction in lymphatic drainage and lead to the development of cancer. These assumptions were refuted in the course of scientific research - no clothing has anything to do with breast cancer.

MYTH 4. SELF-EXAMINATION CAN REPLACE EXAMINATION BY A DOCTOR

By regularly examining and palpating the mammary glands, it is indeed possible to notice some changes that are not always signs of oncology. But the second is worse - if you do not detect any changes, or simply do not notice, in complete confidence that everything is in order, do not go to the doctor. But this can already be dangerous, since the external signs of cancer can appear not at an early stage, but when the disease is already progressing. Thus, doctors do not recommend replacing mammography exclusively with self-examination.

MYTH 5. HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES DRAFTLY INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER

This is not quite a myth, however, the data is significantly outdated. Indeed, oral contraceptives of the first generation slightly increased the risk of cancer not only of the breast, but also of other organs of the female reproductive system. Modern drugs contain a significantly smaller amount of hormones, and doctors assure that if the rules of administration are followed, they are absolutely safe and do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Source: Fotolia

MYTH 6. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CAN HELP

If the diagnosis of "cancer" has already been made, forget about all possible alternative methods of treatment - no soda, lotions from the urine of a young piglet or herbs will help stop the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. If cancer is detected at an early stage, you may be able to defeat it with conservative methods, now there are many chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy is used, all these are methods of evidence-based medicine. But by postponing treatment in favor of charlatans, you risk not only your health, but also your life.