October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are surrounded by tons of information about the disease. The internet sure can be of huge help but it is also filled with a lot of myths and misinformation about breast cancer. And while your friends and family members have the best intentions to give you information to protect you, not everything you hear is true. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between the right and the wrong. Here we are shedding light on common breast cancer myths so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

Myth 1: I Can’t Get Breast Cancer Because I Am a Man

Although breast cancer is extremely uncommon in men, it doesn't mean that men can't suffer from breast cancer at all. The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about one in 1,000 in men. However, in men, breast cancer is usually diagnosed at a later stage which increases their mortality rate. Breast Cancer Early Detection & Diagnosis: Easy Methods to Identify the Disease.

Myth 2: I Am Too Young To Get Breast Cancer

Although females are more likely to develop breast cancer after they reach the age of 50 years, younger women can also develop this condition. According to statistics, about 10 to 15 percent of breast cancers occur in women younger than 45. However, this may vary for different races or ethnicities.

Myth 3: I Don’t Feel Lump on My Breasts So I Don’t Have Breast Cancer

Apart from your regular mammograms and check-ups, it is also important to pay attention to certain subtle signs that don't involve the typical lump-highlight. If you get a tickling or a prickly sensation or if you feel like your breast milk is letting down when you are not breastfeeding, you may just want to report it to the doctor. Also, get yourself checked if there is a rash, dimpling or puckering of your breast skin. No Bra Day 2019: Why Is This Day Celebrated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Why Are Women Sharing Mastectomy Pictures.

Myth 4: I Can Get Breast Cancer from Using Underwired Bras and Deodorants

This myth has been debunked long back. According to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prevention wearing underwired bras or using deodorant was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirant with breast cancer.

Myth 5: I Don’t Need a Mammogram Because I Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

While diet and exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer, it is important to have regular and routine screenings as an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle. There is no clarity on what exactly causes breast cancer. Check with your doctor when you should start doing your mammograms as a lot depends on your family history. Breast Cancer Could Spread to Bone If Exposed to Dim Night-Light. 

Another common myth that lurks is injury or trauma to the breast, like getting hit in the breast, can cause breast cancer. While we never want to get hurt, the good news is that there is no evidence to support a link between trauma or injury to the breast and the risk of breast cancer.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2019 11:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).