The American Cancer Society estimates in the year 2000 about
182,800 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women
in the United States. Early detection and innovative treatment
options are now making it possible for many more women to live
healthy, cancer-free lives. Despite this progress, approximately
41,200 deaths will occur from the disease this year, 400 of them
will be men. Fear and confusion are at the heart of the myths
about breast cancer. No woman needs to stand alone when it comes
to understanding breast cancer. It's important to know the facts
to help yourself and others who are facing this disease. These
are some of the most common myths and the truth about breast
cancer. Myth 1: Women with no family history of breast cancer
are not at risk. Reality: The majority of women diagnosed with
breast cancer have no close relatives with this disease.
Regardless of family history, discuss mammography guidelines and
schedule regular screenings with your health provider. Myth 2:
Breast cancer ha