Lies, Myths and Downright Stupidity

Last week there were lots of news stories about how many people harbor misconceptions about cancer and its causes. This reminded me of all of the falsehoods and ignorant theories I came across when I was first diagnosed, and that people still feel compelled to share with me.

• Antiperspirants cause breast cancer One of those many emails making its way around the world says that antiperspirant is the leading cause of breast cancer because it prevents the body from purging toxins. This would be a great theory, if it were true. We could all stop using antiperspirant and there would be no more breast cancer! Except it isn't true. We sweat all over our bodies, not just in our armpits.
• Wearing under wire bras causes breast cancer Thanks again to one of those forwarded emails, 6.2 % of Americans believe that this ludicrous idea is true. Seriously, people, this is why websites like snopes.com were invented!
• Only women can get breast cancer About 1% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in men; this means about 1450 men a year are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Only older women get breast cancer Many younger women are dismissed when they find a lump because "You're too young to have cancer." Thank god my doctor took me seriously. I'm living proof that this myth is false.
• Stress or negative thinking caused your cancer If you really want to make a cancer patient mad, suggest that she somehow brought this upon herself. The Secret has only perpetuated this small minded approach. Yes, a good attitude is important, but come on!

My point is this: It's important to think for yourself. Don't forward every email you receive; question it's veracity. Don't believe everything someone tells you. Right now we don't know what causes cancer. And don't tell anyone diagnosed with cancer that X or Y caused her cancer. Blame the victim is a fun game that only makes the blamer feel better.