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Archive for February, 2012

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. While education on the disease has grown over the years, there are still a lot of women who choose to look the other way. This is usually due to misconceptions about the disease. In other words, many women think that just because breast cancer doesn’t run in their family that they’re safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. If you want to learn the truth, here are just five things should know about breast cancer.

Is the Most Common Cancer in Women

There are a number of cancers that affect women, but none affect them as often as breast cancer. Breast cancer is also the second most common cause of death in women. However, the number of cases of breast cancer have been on the decline since the 1990s due to the higher level of education, decreased smoking among women and women being more proactive in being screened for the disease.

It Doesn’t Just Affect Women

Breast cancer is often seen as a woman’s problem. However, breast cancer can also affect males. Statistics done in 2011, estimated that over 2,000 men would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. It was also estimated that over 400 men would die of the disease.

Early Detection Can Save Your Life

It’s important to know that breast cancer doesn’t necessarily lead to death. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more likely the patient is to survive. It’s important to do monthly exams in the shower and have a yearly exam once women have reached the age of 40.

Mammograms May Not Detect Cancer

Unfortunately, mammograms may not always be able to see a tumor. The reason can vary from implants to dense tissue. If some cases an MRI is used to get a better view of the tissue, this is especially true if something strange appears in the mammogram.

It’s Not Always in the Genes

Last, but certainly not least, it’s important for women to realize that genes aren’t the only cause of breast cancer. Breast cancer can be a result of early menopause, age, race, alcoholism, smoking and exposure to large amounts of radiation.

Breast cancer is more than a genetic disease. It’s also not a disease that is limited to women. Instead of assuming that you know you’ll never get breast cancer, do the right thing. Give yourself monthly breast exams and get a mammogram once a year so that you have a better chance of survival.

About the Author: Krista Reinbold is a health and wellness advocate who enjoys writing about common conditions in order to spread knowledge. She frequently writes about breast cancer and contributes content ideas to YeastInfection.org from time to time as well.