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Here are 20 common myths that are associated with breast cancer.

20 Breast Cancer Myths  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com

1. Myth: Exposing a tumor to air during surgery causes cancer to spread

Myth: Exposing a tumor to air during surgery causes cancer to spread

Surgery doesn’t cause breast cancer or cause it to spread in the body. Doctors are capable of finding cancer in the body through surgery. Some studies have found that by removing the tumor it can cause growth. (Source: Health.com)

2. Myth: Breast implants can raise the risk of getting breast cancer

Myth: Breast implants can raise the risk of getting breast cancer

Research has shown that women with breast implants are not at risk of getting breast cancer but that taking mammograms may be a little harder for them. (Source: Health.com)

3. Myth: Every women has a 1-in-8 chance of getting breast cancer

Myth: Every women has a 1-in-8 chance of getting breast cancer

The older you get the more at risk women are of getting breast cancer. When a woman reaches her 30’s she has a 1-in-233 chance of getting diagnosed with the disease. By the time she’s 85 she’s at a 1-in-8 chance. (Source: Health.com)

4. Myth: Wearing antiperspirant can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Myth: Wearing antiperspirant can increase the risk of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society isn’t very keen on this but does believe that there needs to be more research on this matter. Studies have shown that parabens used as a preservative in antiperspirants have weak estrogen-like properties and can’t be linked to breast cancer. (Source: Health.com)

5. Myth: You can’t get cancer after a mastectomy

Myth: You can’t get cancer after a mastectomy

Some women get breast cancer even after getting their breast removed. In a lot of cases, they get breast cancer in the place where it was removed. (Source: Health.com)

6. Myth: Your father’s family history of breast cancer doesn’t affect you as much as your mothers.

Myth: Your father’s family history of breast cancer doesn’t affect you as much as your mothers.

A family history of breast cancer on both sides is very important regardless of mother or father. To find out the risk from your father’s side you’ll have to look at the women. (Source: Health.com)

7. Myth: If your mammography report is negative, there is nothing to worry about.

Myth: If your mammography report is negative, there is nothing to worry about.

Mammograms can’t detect 10-20 percent of breast cancer. Clinical breast exams and even self-breast examinations are important. (Source: Health.com)

8. Myth: Hair straighteners can cause cancer in African American women

Myth: Hair straighteners can cause cancer in African American women

A 2007 study by the National Cancer Institute found no increase in breast cancer risk due to relaxers or hair straighteners. The study had African American women who have used straighteners regularly for years. (Source: Health.com)

9. Myth: Living near power lines can cause breast cancer.

Myth: Living near power lines can cause breast cancer.

In 2003 a study was done on in Long Island, NY counties that showed a lot of women getting diagnosed with the disease. The study proved that there was no link between electromagnetic fields emitted by power lines. A Seattle area study was done and had the same results. (Source: Health.com)