MYTH #2: Breast cancer has become an epidemic in young women. REALITY: Although all women are at risk for breast cancer, 95 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women ages 40 and over; and more than three quarters occur among women over 50. 

MYTH #3: Underarm antiperspirants and under-wire bras cause breast cancer. REALITY: This rumor has been spread rapidly by e-mail. There is no evidence or studies which indicate that using antiperspirants or wearing any type of bra increases the risk of, much less causes, breast cancer.  

MYTH #4: Breast cancer kills more women than any other disease. REALITY: More American women die of heart disease and lung cancer. 

However breast cancer is still a major health concern. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year about 212,600 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. Early detection and innovative treatment options are now making it possible for many more women to live healthy, cancer-free lives. But despite this progress, approximately 40,200 deaths will occur from the disease this year - 400 of them will be men.

MYTH #5: Mammograms are unsafe and painful. REALITY: With today's modern technology, radiation levels are low and not harmful. Modern mammography equipment is designed to minimize the degree of discomfort. Since breasts can be tender just before or after menstruation, women may prefer to schedule a mammogram at a different time.  

MYTH #6: If a mammogram result comes back normal, there's nothing to worry about until the next scheduled test. REALITY: Mammography is the best technology to detect cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends women also receive a breast examination by a health professional as part of their scheduled physical exam. Self-awareness and prompt reporting of any changes is important and strongly encouraged. Follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening. 

MYTH #7: If a lump is cancerous, mastectomy is the only option. REALITY: At one time, mastectomy was standard therapy, but now many women have more than one choice. The combination of lump removal (lumpectomy) and radiation is performed more commonly. And the many treatment options are helping women live healthy, cancer-free lives.  

MYTH #8: Only women get breast cancer. REALITY: Breast cancer occurs primarily in women, but occasionally in men. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue, and that it's possible for them to develop breast cancer. About 1,300 cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among men in the United States in 2003.  

MYTH #9: Having silicone breast implants increases your chance of breast cancer. REALITY: Silicone breast implants can cause formation of scar tissue in the breast, but several studies have found that they do not increase breast cancer risk.

MYTH #10: An injury to the breast can cause breast cancer. REALITY: Injury or trauma to the breast does not cause cancer. One reason for this myth is an injury may draw attention to a breast lump that had actually been present for some time. 

American Cancer Society Resources

The best way to keep breast cancer from becoming life threatening is to follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines for breast cancer screening. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

Clinical breast examination should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older.

Breast self examination (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20's. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE and should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.

Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (i.e., breast ultrasound and MRI), or having more frequent exams.

Knowledge isn't the only way to defeat breast cancer. Central New York residents can get involved with the fight against cancer by joining the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 19th at Community Plaza in downtown Syracuse. The annual rally is the area's largest breast cancer awareness event.

You can receive additional breast health and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by calling the American Cancer Society's cancer information hotline at 1-800-ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or by visiting www.cancer.org.

For more information or to join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline. Donations can also be made directly by going to Donna's Stride Against Breast Cancer.