Breast Lumps and Cancer: 8 Myths and Facts
When you feel a lump in your breast, it's understandable to be concerned. But don't jump to conclusions. Instead, take action. Call your doctor to find out what it is.
Also, make sure you haven't fallen for any of these 8 myths about breast lumps.
Myth 1: A Breast Lump Is Probably Cancer
Most breast lumps women feel -- 8 out of 10 -- aren't cancer. It's more common for them to be a cyst (a sac) or a fibroadenoma (an abnormal growth that's not cancer). Some lumps come and go during a woman's menstrual cycle. You can't tell what it is by how it feels.
"It's always important to know your own body and detect a change which may need to be evaluated," says Beth Overmoyer, director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. "If it is cancer, then you may have saved your life."
Myth 2: If You Have a Lump but Your Mammogram Is Normal, You're Done
You may need more tests, such as an MRI, ultrasound, or follow-up mammogram, to take another look at the lump. You may also need to get a biopsy, which is when a doctor takes a small sample of the lump to test it. Your doctor may also recommend getting checked more often.
Read more;
