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There's a lot of misleading information out there about breast cancer dangers. Here, we dispel some of the most common myths. SLEEPING IN A BRA OR WEARING AN UNDERWIRE BRA CAN CAUSE BREAST CANCER. FICTION. While studies have found that breast cancer is slightly less common among women who don't wear bras, the difference was not signifi cant enough to correlate with a direct cause. Additionally, women of an unhealthy weight are at a higher risk for breast cancer and also more likely to wear bras. Multiple studies have shown that how much you wear a bra or what style of bra you wear does not affect your likelihood of getting breast cancer. MY MOM NEVER HAD BREAST CANCER, SO I WON'T GET IT. FICTION. It's true that a family history of breast cancer (especially a fi rst-degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter) increases your risk. However, 85 percent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Complete breast self-exams monthly and ensure clinical breast exams and mammograms are performed by a professional as recommended by your physician. DRINKING ALCOHOL INCREASES YOUR RISK FOR BREAST CANCER. FACT. Compared to women who drink no alcohol, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15-percent higher risk of breast cancer. There is as much as a 10-percent increase in breast cancer risk associated with each additional drink per day. The American Cancer Society recommends women limit their drinking to no more than one drink per day. MEN DON'T GET BREAST CANCER. FICTION. More than 2,000 American men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Family history, inherited genetic mutations, radiation exposure, alcohol consumption and obesity are all risk factors for male breast cancer. A PHYSICIAN SHOULD EVALUATE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR BREASTS. FACT. Lumps are common signs of breast cancer, but skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction, or a discharge other than breast milk can also be signs of cancer. Don't ignore any change to your breasts and share your concerns with your physician. Breast Cancer Fact o Fiction: What can increase your risk for breast cancer, and what's completely harmless? 3 Step t Healthy Brea Along with periodic clinical breast exams and mammograms, a regular breast self-exam may help detect breast cancer. Billie Loncon, RT (R)(M), CN-BI, certified breast patient navigator with CHRISTUS Southeast Texas, outlines the best ways to examine your breasts: 1. Look. Standing in front of a mirror, check for any changes in your breast (including dimpling, rash, redness and scaliness). Start with your arms by your side, then overhead, then pressing your hands on your hips and tightening your chest muscles. 2. Feel. "Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder," Billie says. "Place your right arm behind your head, then use the pads of the middle three fingers of your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast by making dime-sized circular motions. Do the same with the right hand and the left breast." Use an up-and-down pattern, checking every part of the breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. If you use only firm pressure, you can miss superficial lumps (lumps just beneath the skin). 3. Tell. "If you examine yourself regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for your breasts and will be more likely to notice when something changes," Billie says. "If you do find a lump or any changes in your breast, report them to your physician as soon as possible." Your primary care provider can help you understand your breast cancer risk factors. To find a physician, visit christussetx.org or call (866) 683-3627. Billie Loncon, RT (R)(M), CN-BI christussetx.org 10