The diagnosis of breast cancer, whether in yourself or in a loved one, is a dreaded, scary, and quite often surprising diagnosis which catches many a woman and some men off guard.  Even though the prognosis is good when detected early, there are still many deaths associated with this disease, and thus it is imperative for you to be up to date on your breast cancer facts.

For example, did you know that men can also become ill with breast cancer?  While they only make up about one percent of the breast cancer cases, it is one of the most elusive breast cancer facts that men should also perform a breast cancer self examination to check for unexplained lumps or swellings. At times men let these lumps go unchecked because they may be too embarrassed to discuss them with their physician, or simply because they are not aware that they, too, are at risk of developing breast cancer. 

Of course, there are also several myths surrounding this illness which may cause fear and panic in the hearts of many, but actually do little to pass on real life breast cancer facts.  An Internet hoax that made the rounds not too long ago was the tale that the use of antiperspirants and deodorants could cause breast cancer. The story went on to spin the yarn that since antiperspirants seek to prevent perspiration, dangerous toxins remain trapped inside the body and are then stored within the lymph nodes, from where the cells than mutate and travel to the breast tissue where the cancer will reside. This is not only incorrect, but it is also dangerous to replace breast cancer facts with myths surrounding the illness. Another dangerous myth is the story that breastfeeding may actually increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.  This story has absolutely no basis in truth or reality, and the danger of a woman deciding to forego breastfeeding her child based on this hoax should give pause to anyone who unadvisedly spreads rumors about this illness.

Instead, it is important to be educated about the breast cancer facts. 
• If you ever had unilateral cancer of the breast, you are more likely to develop cancer of the other breast.
• If you have a woman in your family tree who suffered from breast cancer, you are at higher risk to develop the disease.  If this woman from your family is a very close blood relative, such as your mother, sister, or even your daughter, then your risk doubles.
• If you began your menses before the age of thirteen, or if you did not reach your menopause until after age fifty-five, you are at a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to heightened risks of breast cancer.
• If your diet is high in the undesirable polyunsaturated fats, such as you can find in a tub of margarine, you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. 

Of course, the number one risk of developing breast cancer is simply the fact that you are a woman.  Just as simple as this statement is also the fact that early detection, such as through a routine breast cancer self examination, is the best hope for a cure.