by Muneerah B.

Created on: November 22, 2008

Untying Uncertainties

Every October, an array of pink products goes on sale in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but knowledge about the condition is still clouded with myths and misconceptions. Inadequate understanding about breast cancer is a source of fear and false hopes about the disease.

A lot of myths surround the cause of breast cancer; electronic devices, underwire bras and mammograms are among the things that are thought to be the root of the cause. Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause for cancer, there are certain risk factors to help us gauge the possibility of getting breast cancer. Prolonged exposure to estrogen is often cited as one of the causes of breast cancer. This specifically applies to women who had their menses before they were 12, reached menopause after the age of 55 or had their first child after the age of 30. Women who do not have children and do not breast feed are also at higher risk for breast cancer. This is because estrogen elevates the growth of cells in parts of the body which are receptive to growth, such as the breast.

The family history and inherited faulty genes/ genetic mutations of the patient also influence the chances of breast cancer. Needless to say, age and gender are also among the risk factors that are beyond our choices. Women are more likely to get breast cancer than men and the risk for women increases with age. Additionally, women with a personal history of breast cancer (and even benign breast disease) or had previous abnormal breast biopsy should not be complacent as this is another evident risk factor. From a lifestyle aspect, alcohol, inadequate exercise and obesity also contribute to the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

There are still a lot of other risk factors that are still being debated by experts. The American Cancer Society lists high fat diets, pollution, tobacco smoke and night work as uncertain risk factors.
Furthermore, medical practitioners are generally undecided whether stress, birth control pills, abortion and breast implants significantly contribute to breast cancer in any way.

Despite whatever uncertainties, one clear fact remains that technically every woman in the world is susceptible to breast cancer. The most prevailing defense against it now is proper information not only about the disease and detection, but knowledge about treatment and prevention options as well. Only then will it justify donning a pink ribbon as we look towards the day when a cure for cancer is no longer a myth.

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