Girls, we know breast cancer is a big worry for many of us. It’s not ungrounded...some statistics suggest that 1 in 7 women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime.
Will I get it? Is breast cancer hereditary? Do certain bras cause breast cancer? There are many myths about breast cancer, believe us. We’ve heard it all.
It’s great to be aware of your body (and your health) but it’s also important that you don’t let Doctor Google or false rumours fill your head with myths about breast cancer. Worrying unnecessarily can cause stress and increased anxiety and nobody wants that.
So, settle down with a brew whilst we debunk some common cancer myths so you can feel at ease and be reassured. It’s important to be breast aware, but it’s also important that you’re clued up on breast cancer facts which haven’t been made up along the way. We’re here to get you clued up the right way, ladies. And don’t forget to share your newly learnt facts with your Breasties!
Does deodorant cause breast cancer?
The first and simple answer to this is no. Using any kind of deodorant or antiperspirant does not cause breast cancer, ladies. You can keep those pits funky fresh without worrying about anything of the sort.
People have whined on about deodorant causing breast cancer for yeaarsss, however, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is the case. And breathe...
Does stress cause breast cancer?
We all know it’s not good to be stressed. Nobody wants high blood pressure, a lack of sleep, bad skin...the list goes on. But believe us, there’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that stress causes breast cancer. Stress can be linked to other lifestyle behaviours besides cancer. This is another myth about breast cancer which is simply not the case.
Can putting your phone in your bra cause breast cancer?
Amongst other benefits of having boobs, your boobs also act as a great cushion (when you’re lying down, of course). We would never recommend putting your phone in your bra, but again, there is no evidence to suggest that putting your phone in your bra causes breast cancer.
We’ve all heard myths about breast cancer, like the potential of sound waves from your phone posing a health risk. This is another myth we like to call officially debunked.
Do nipple piercings cause breast cancer?
Nipple piercings are super popular, it’s all about the bling! One of the things to know about breast cancer is that nipple piercings do not cause cancer. You might be at risk of infection if you don’t clean the area regularly or properly, but nipple piercings are all well and good, ladies. You can sparkle and shine all you like.
Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?
Underwire bras do not increase your risk of breast cancer.
Many women often become concerned that the wires in their cups may restrict the flow of lymph fluid to the breasts, eventually causing toxins to build up in the area. Again, there is no reliable evidence to support this. And besides, we would never let our Female Family wear our underwired bras if it put their health at risk. No chance.
Despite that, if your bra is causing you discomfort it’s absolutely time for a refresh. Well-fitted bras should eliminate any pain or discomfort caused by your underwire and put your mind at ease. Plus… bralets and foam bras are always an amazing option!
And not to brag, but we have an amazing collection ourselves!
Does injury or trauma to the breast cause breast cancer?
Nobody wants a traumatised boob and believe us, nobody wants to get hurt (especially in that area). The good news is, injury or trauma to the breast does not cause breast cancer. However, you might want to put an ice pack (or some frozen peas) on the traumatised area. This is another common cancer myth.
Men can't get breast cancer
Wrong.
One of the things to know about breast cancer is that it can happen to anyone, at any time. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a woman to get breast cancer. For a lot of men, they don’t have breasts - it’s their ‘pecs’, but the truth is, around 400 men a year in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer does not discriminate, if you have breast tissue it could affect you, so it’s always good to be clear on your breasts.
Does abortion increase my risk of having breast cancer?
Having an abortion is a very sensitive subject for many pregnant women and one which many have to think long and hard about before deciding to go ahead. Previous evidence suggested that abortions may increase your risk of breast cancer, however, newly, well-designed studies from recent years have proved that this is not the case.
We love and support you, Loungers.
If I don't have a family history of breast cancer, I won't get it
Sadly, this is also wrong. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history of the disease. It is believed that only 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. This suggests that other lifestyle factors are at work which can contribute to these abnormal changes. However, we still recommend that you take care of your bodies, ladies - eating healthily and exercising regularly can help lower your risk.
Can Chemicals in the Environment Cause breast cancer?
A common cancer myth relating to breast cancer is the idea that breast cancer can be caused by poisonous chemicals in the environment. Whilst we will never encourage Mother Nature to be harmed in any way, there’s no evidence to suggest that this is true.
Many people react differently in different environments. Some studies have suggested that women who are exposed to chemicals in their jobs may be at a higher risk of breast cancer but like many myths about breast cancer, the evidence is weak. As a legal obligation, employers are required by law to limit exposure to chemicals that may cause cancer.
We hope that debunking some of these breast cancer myths will reassure you. We know it’s a tough subject and we know it’s worrying, but we’re here to spread awareness and breast cancer facts which haven’t been pulled out of thin air. Reassure your Breasties and spread awareness, girls, not myths!
If something isn’t seeming quite right, heading straight to Google isn’t always the smartest move! Always book an appointment with your doctor. If in doubt - check it out!
Be cancer aware the right way, girls.