Exploring the myths and truths about breast cancer

Throughout our lifetime we may have heard and/or continue to hear myths. Growing up we may have heard "step on a crack, break your mother's back" or walking under a ladder will cause years of bad luck and others.

So it is without surprise we find myths permanent in the medical industry, especially in reference to breast cancer. This article will dispel myths associated with breast cancer. The top five myths of breast cancer are:

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only.

Truth: Quite the contrary, each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

Truth: A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread

Myth: Breast cancer is contagious.

Truth: You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

Truth: Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

For more information on breast cancer, Purdue University Extension and Susan B. Komen Wabash Valley will conduct an event titled "Mother, Sister, Daughter and Friend." In collaboration with St. Vincent Cancer Care the Extension Office will provide a mobile mammography, allowing women to receive free mammograms. This event will take place April 28 in the Purdue Extension Office parking lot.

Eligibility for screening includes:

-- You must be 40 years of age or older, or if under 40, you must be 10 years younger than the age of mother or sister was first diagnosed with breast cancer.

-- You must have a current primary care physician to whom results of your screening mammogram can be sent.

-- Your physician's information is mandatory at time of registration.

-- Women with fibrocystic breast are eligible for a screening mammogram.

-- A written order from a physician is required for anyone between the ages of 30-30 at the time of your screening.

Previous breast cancer patients who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy must be five or more years out from diagnosis in order to be screened on the mobile.

The Mobile Mammography Program appointment sign-up is first come, first served. If you wish to sign up for an appointment, stop by the Purdue Extension office (12 Central Square, Greencastle) by Feb. 28 to fill out a registration form with Health and Human Science Extension Educator Jennifer Cannon. Results and registration are treated with confidentiality.

Anyone with questions may contact Cannon at 653-8411.

Upcoming Events:

Feb. 28 -- Mobile Mammography registration due, Extension Office.

Feb. 24 -- Fair Board meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fairgrounds.

Feb. 27 -- Weed Management Seminar PARP, Russellville.

March 1-- Past Presidents garage sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m, Fairgrounds.

March 1-- Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, White Violet Center.

March 10 -- Leader Lesson "Your Emergency Clean up Bucket List," 1 p.m., Extension Office classroom.

March 14 -- 4-H Beef weigh-in, 8 a.m.--noon, Fairgrounds.

March 15 -- Putnam County Ag Day observance.

March 17 -- Putnam 4-H enrollment deadline for availability of all projects.

March 29 -- Breast cancer awareness events, 8 a.m.-noon, 12 Central Square.