When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Why is Awareness Important?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for spreading awareness, encouraging individuals to get their biannual screenings, and, most importantly, honoring those who fight & survive, and remembering those we’ve lost.
Myth #1: Only Women Can be Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Fact: Men can develop breast cancer too. Everyone has fatty tissue in their chest area, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age, particularly after the age of 65. Additionally, several other risk factors should be considered, including high estrogen levels, a family history of breast cancer, and heavy alcohol use.
Myth #2: Breast Cancer only Affects Older Women
Fact: Although breast cancer is most commonly found in women over 45, 10% of new patients in the US are diagnosed under this age, including some as young as 32.
Myth #3: Deodorant and Antiperspirants Cause Cancer
Fact: “According to the American Cancer Society, there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.”
Myth #4: Breast Cancer is Contagious
Fact: NO! There is no way to spread breast cancer the way the common cold would, such as through germs. Breast cancer occurs when a cell mutates uncontrollably and spreads to the breast tissue.
Myth #5: Breast Cancer is Mainly Genetic
Fact: While it is true that individuals with a history of breast cancer are at higher risk of developing it as well, it does not mean that every case is hereditary.
“About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent.” National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2026, March 3) Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too. Retrieved from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/if-you-have-a-family-history-of-breast-cancer-you-are-likely-to-develop-breast-cancer-too/
Key Takeaways:
It is important to know that there are myths and facts to every cancer diagnosis, and knowing what is real vs what is fake is crucial. We hope that debunking these myths can ease your mind about some of the more… superstitious takes!
Sources Used:
Heidi Tyline King. (2017, September 5) Myth or Fact: Only Women Get Breast Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/myth-or-fact-only-women-get-breast-cancer/
National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2026, March 2) Myth: Breast Cancer Only Affects Middle-Aged or Older Women. Retrieved from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/breast-cancer-only-affects-middle-aged-or-older-women/
National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2026, March 2) Myth: Antiperspirants and Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/breast-cancer-only-affects-middle-aged-or-older-women/
National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2026, March 3) Myth: Breast Cancer is Contagious. Retrieved from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/breast-cancer-is-contagious/
National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2026, March 3) Myth: If You Have a Family History of Breast Cancer, You Are Likely to Develop Breast Cancer, too. Retrieved from:https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/if-you-have-a-family-history-of-breast-cancer-you-are-likely-to-develop-breast-cancer-too/
