It is the middle of October; many associate this time with leaves turning orange and Halloween, yet its important to note that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A time of year to come together to reflect, educate, and spread awareness about breast cancer. It’s extremely important to be aware of common myths that surround breast cancer and get to the truth.
Myth One: Men can’t get Breast Cancer
Although it’s rare men can get breast cancer; 370 men are diagnosed each year in the UK, with less than 1 in 100 cases in the UK being male. It’s a common thought that men can’t have breast cancer because they don’t have breasts, but they do have a small amount of breast tissue.
Typically most cases happen to men over 60 and occasionally younger men. For men, the cancer grows in small amounts of breast tissue behind their nipples.
Myth Two: A mammogram can cause or spread Breast Cancer
A mammogram or x-ray is used to take pictures inside of your body, specifically your breast, to detect early signs of breast cancer. The breast will get compressed during the mammogram the tighter the better, as it’ll provide clearer images for the radiologist to read. Although the tight compression may be a little uncomfortable, many assume it can cause or spread cancer, but this is completely untrue!
Myth Three: Wearing a bra can cause Breast Cancer
Every so often the internet is fuelled by the myth that wearing a bra increases the risk of breast cancer. The theory is that wearing an underwire-style bra can restrict the flow of lymph fluid out of the breast, causing toxic substances to build up in the tissue. However, after much research and studies, there is no evidence to support this myth!
Alongside understanding the truth about common myths, it’s time to support and donate in a variety of ways:
Wear It Pink Day: On 20th October it is your day to wear pink, in support of one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. So if you’re going to work, school or just having a day at home do it in pink and share it online.
Special Edition Products: To support breast cancer awareness month many brands have released special edition exclusive products, Coca-Cola have collaborated with ASDA changing the iconic red packaging to pink and Primark has new products in their post-surgery range.
An easy way to support this month is to wear the globally recognised ribbon symbol for breast cancer which can be bought online and hopefully serves as a reminder to others and starts a conversation.
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