Breast Cancer Awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month and here at Cherry Central, it is important to us that we not only bring awareness to breast cancer, but that we honor those and remember those that it has directly impacted.

Unfortunately, breast cancer can affect both men and women. Here in our office, we created a Pink Publication Pavilion that offers information and tips for both.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year, people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease and to support the progress being made to defeat breast cancer. We implemented this idea with our “Remember & Honor” board.

We made sure to wear plenty of pink in the office this month and shared with our employees some of these myths vs. facts surrounding breast cancer.

Myths:

1. Consuming too much sugar causes breast cancer.
2. Carrying your cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
3. Annual mammograms guarantee that breast cancer will be found early.
4. Using underarm antiperspirant can cause breast cancer.
5. Early-stage breast cancer rarely recurs.
6. Wearing a bra can cause breast cancer.
7. All breast cancer is treated pretty much the same way.
8. If you maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and limit alcohol you don’t have to worry about breast cancer.
9. Breast cancer only happens to middle aged and older women.
10. If I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, I won’t get it.
11. Breast cancer always causes a lump you can feel.
12. When treatment is over, you’re finished with breast cancer.

Facts:

1. There is no evidence that sugar in the diet causes breast cancer.
2. There is no evidence if a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of cell phones is still being studied.
3. Although mammography is he best early-detection tool we have, it doesn’t always find breast cancer at an early stage.
4. There is no evidence of a connection between underarm antiperspirant and breast cancer, but the safety of antiperspirants is still being studied.
5. Even with early-stage breast cancer, there is always some risk the cancer will return.
6. There is no evidence that bras cause breast cancer.
7. Treatment plans vary widely depending on the characteristics of the cancer and patient preferences.
8. Although these behaviors can help lower breast cancer risk, they can’t eliminate it.
9. Younger women can and do get breast cancer. As do Men.
10. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.
11. Breast cancer might not cause a lump, especially when it first develops.
12. Breast cancer can have a long-term impact on people’s lives and well-being.

If you, or anyone you know needs any support surrounding breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen® Breast Care Helpline provides information about breast health, breast cancer, local and national resources, and information about clinical trials. Call 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org.