Because the causes and cure of breast cancer are not yet fully known, many people have misconceptions about
the disease. Here is what we know for sure:
MYTH: Women with a family history of breast cancer are the ones who typically get breast cancer.
FACT: Actually, most women who get breast cancer have no family history of the disease. However, a woman whose mother, sister, daughter or grandmother had breast cancer has an increased risk.
MYTH:Women with more than one risk factor are the ones who typically get breast cancer.
FACT:A majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors outside of their gender. All women are at risk.
MYTH:If I had a mammogram every year, I would be exposed to too much radiation, and that would cause cancer.
FACT:The small level of radiation from mammograms is believed to be safe, with the benefits outweighing the risks.