Seven terrible myths about breast cancer

- Use of alcoholic beverages. Dr. Walter Willet, a leading epidemiologist at Harvard University, believes that “a small amount of alcohol consumed by a woman on a daily basis can increase the risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol she drinks the greater risks she runs.” Numerous studies show that alcohol leads to a higher level of estrogens. There is a link between higher the increased production of estrogens and the development of a malignant tumor in the breast.

Myth No 7: nothing can be done if the doctors detect the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in my system

Wrong. Steps to reduce the risks can be taken even if a test reveals the presence of the above genes in the body of a woman. A monthly self-examination of your own mammary glands is one of the preventive measures. A woman is recommended to visit her gynecologist or oncologist every six months so that breast cancer may be detected at its earliest stage.

Double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) may be performed for preventions purposes yet most doctors are opposed to the method. A patient is likely to experience severe emotional trauma after the amputation. Besides, the amputation is not a 100% guarantee against the growth of cancer cells that may remain in the tissues.

Translated by Guerman Grachev
Pravda.ru