Yes, you guessed it right :) This is another community message brought to you by Cleo, via pelf-ism is contagious *smiles* Hey, I am sure this benefits a lot of people (men especially) who do not buy Cleo, am I right, Merv?
The following are all MYTHS, so if you want to know the truths, either (a) bear in mind that the opposites are true, or (b) get yourself a copy of Cleo – it’s NOT too late!
- Breast cancer does not affect young women.
- The first sign of breast cancer is always a lump.
- Uneven breast sizes do not affect your risk of breast cancer.
- A low-fat diet reduces your risk of breast cancer.
- Only women are at risk.
- Inverted nipples have nothing to do wih breast cancer.
- Your highest risk factor has nothing to do with your family.
- Lumpy breasts mean you’re more at risk.
- An abortion or miscarriage increases your risk of breast cancer.
- Some foods may help prevent cancer.
- Smoking makes you vulnerable.
- It will always be a killer.
- Surgery is the only option.
- You can examine yourself anytime.
- The Pill causes it.
- Breast cancer is all about my oestrogen levels.
- Exercise cannot prevent breast cancer.
- Injuring your breast can cause it.
- Pregnancy protects you.
- You don’t have to check your breasts if you visit your doctor for an annual check-up.
- Cancer of the breast is painful.
- A woman will lose her breasts if she’s diagnosed with breast cancer.
Now, that aside, if there’s anything you do not agree upon, please say it in a nice way. I don’t appreciate people telling me this is wrong, that is wrong – NOT when I did NOT write the above 22 myths.
Julia Schopick created the website, Honest Medicine, in honour (and memory) of her late husband Tim Fisher, who has been her inspiration ever since they met over a quarter century ago. Tim and Julia’s medical odyssey began on September 15, 1990, with Tim’s first diagnosed grand mal seizure; two weeks later, he underwent brain surgery for a huge, cancerous tumor “the size of an orange.” This was soon followed by chemotherapy and radiation; and throughout the years, there were many complications — seizures, stroke, more surgeries, etc. — from these initial treatments.
The day she realized that Tim’s doctors didn’t have all the answers was the day they started to work together to find treatments that might extend both the length and the quality of his life — and by extension, their lives.
Please take some time off to visit her website, Honest Medicine, for a host of health-related articles.
Of particular interest (in relation to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month) in Julia’s website is an article entitled “Welcome to Cancerland: A Mammogram Leads to a Cult of Pink Kitsch” written by Barbara Ehrenreich:
“It goes on and on, this mother of all mammograms, cutting into gym time, dinnertime, and lifetime generally. Sometimes the machine doesn’t work, and I get squished into position to no purpose at all. More often, the X ray is successful but apparently alarming to the invisible radiologist, off in some remote office, who calls the shots and never has the courtesy to show her face with an apology or an explanation. I try pleading with the technician: I have no known risk factors, no breast cancer in the family, had my babies relatively young and nursed them both. I eat right, drink sparingly, work out, and doesn’t that count for something?! But she just gets this tight little professional smile on her face, either out of guilt for the torture she’s inflicting or because she already knows something that I am going to be sorry to find out for myself. For an hour and a half the procedure is repeated: the squishing, the snapshot, the technician bustling off to consult the radiologist and returning with a demand for new angles and more definitive images.”
You may read the entire article here (opens in a new window), or download a PDF version of it here.
Other interesting articles available at Julia’s Honest Medicine are:
I was in tears after reading most of the true stories written by some people whose loved ones succumbed to breast cancer. Maybe you should head over for an idea of what breast cancer can do to people. In support of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, allow me to CnP 10 Dos and Don’ts from the October issue of CLEO (pg 251):
DO: Wear pink – especially the snazzy shade of the Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon.
DON’T: Wear black – it’s a reminder of death.
DO: Listen to Kylie Minogue, Melissa Etheridge ad Anastacia – all breast cancer survivors.
DON’T: Listen to Marilyn Manson, Brutality, Necrophagist or similar “death metal” bands that glorify disease and dying.
DO: Tell your girlfriends that you love them at least once this month.
DON’T: Tell or listen to sexist breast jokes (especially coming from other women, who should know better!)
DO: Get your mom/sister/friend who are above 40 to go for a mammogram and go along with them to lend support.
DON’T: Schedule your own check-up at a regular clinic.
DO: Sign up as a volunteer at MAKNA.
DON’T: Brush off other volunteers who approach you.
DO: Tell one child about breast cancer, and why it is so sad.
DON’T: Be shy about showing off your breasts – plunge those necklines!
DO: Push for breast-feeding facilities/room at your workplace.
DON’T: Discourage other Moms from nursing in public.
DO: Find out if your family has a history of cancer or breast cancer genes.
DON’T: Consume too much alcohol or tobacco.
DO: Celebrate life!
DON’T: Pay attention to pessimists, doomsayers and the like – life’s just too short!
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