10 Breast cancer myths, busted

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Research UK helps separate the fact from the fiction relating to a disease that kills 12,000 women a year in the UK.

Cancer Research UK is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle breast cancer, this year the charity is encouraging women to Frock Breast Cancer - glam-up and raise money and awareness in the process!

Myth 1: Using deodorant causes breast cancer

There is no scientific evidence that anti-perspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer or increase the risk of the disease. More information is available at: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/cancercontroversies/

Myth 2: An ill-fitting bra can cause breast cancer

There is no evidence to show that tight or underwired bras cause breast cancer.

Myth 3: Women are as likely to get breast cancer in their 30s or 40s as in their 60s and 70s

Breast cancer risk increases with age. Eighty per cent of cases are found in women aged 50 and over.

Myth 4: Lumps are the only sign of breast cancer

Other possible signs include changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts, any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin, changes in the position of the nipple, a rash or nipple discharge, or pain or discomfort that is new to you and felt only on one side. Further information is available at www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Myth 5: Women over 70 cannot be screened for breast cancer

The older a woman is the greater her breast cancer risk. Cancer Research UK encourages women to ask their GPs to arrange screening after invitations stop at 70.

Myth 6: Middle-class women are less likely to develop breast cancer

Breast cancer is more common among middle-class women than low socio-economic groups, which may partly be due to factors such as having children later.

Myth 7: Black and Asian women hardly ever get breast cancer

Although rates vary between different ethnic groups breast cancer remains the most common cancer among all women.

Myth 8: Breastfeeding children increases breast cancer risk

Scientific evidence consistently shows the longer a woman breastfeeds the more she reduces her risk of the disease. Further information is available at www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Myth 9: Women’s age when having children doesn’t affect breast cancer risk

Studies show that women who have children later in life have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Myth 10: Red wine prevents breast cancer

Drinking any type of alcohol, including red wine, can increase the risk of breast cancer. The more you cut down on alcohol, the more you reduce your risk.

From more information on Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit Cancer Research UK