According to a new survey from the National Breast Cancer Coalition, seventy-five percent of women think they’re well informed about breast cancer. However, much of what they believe is not quite the truth.
More than half of women surveyed believe that a family history of breast cancer is the biggest risk factor for developing the disease. That fifty-six percent of women is wrong. Less than TEN percent of all breast cancer cases are hereditary. More than two-thirds of all breast cancer cases appear in women who have no known risk factors.
So what is the single biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer? It seems to be age.
Nearly forty percent of women surveyed believe that a self exam performed at home is the best way to detect breast cancer. Self exams are a good idea, but mammograms are the ONLY reliable method for early detection. Schedule that test! It’s unpleasant, but not quite as unpleasant as breast cancer would be.
The biggest misconception: around seventy percent of women surveyed believe that eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains can reduce your risk of breast cancer. This kind of diet can reduce your risk of other forms of cancer but doesn’t seem to have a bearing on breast cancer at all. However, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your breast cancer risk — so don’t give up on the fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Just don’t think of them as armor.
A few more breast cancer statistics that might interest you:
- Experts predict that approximately 40,000 women will die because of breast cancer in 2008. Personally, I hope that number goes down. A lot.
- Eight-six percent of women believe that a cure for breast cancer will be found in their children’s lifetime. I hope this one comes true.