Myth #22: If I am not a scientist, then I won’t be able to understand breast cancer research.

FALSE. Advocates can become educated and able to understand and influence breast cancer research. Their perspective is key to finding answers.

There was a time when patients and advocates were not included in the analysis of scientific research, clinical trials design and treatment options. That’s right; those personally and directly affected by decisions did not have a voice. Since its inception in 1991, NBCC has worked tirelessly to ensure that patient advocates are not only included in the process, but knowledgeable, contributing participants.

 
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No more myths. I commit to telling the people I know and love the truth about breast cancer.


Project LEAD is NBCC’s innovative science training program that provides a foundation of scientific knowledge upon which participants can strengthen and empower themselves as activists. Graduates of NBCC’s Project LEAD workshop and other courses are equipped to better explain basic breast cancer science and research information to their colleagues, clients, friends, and family. As critical thinkers of the breast cancer science that appears in the news every day, these advocates serve as a resource to their organizations, clients, community and constituency that they represent.
 
Learn how you can become an informed advocate at the Center for NBCC Advocacy Training.

 

31 Myths and Truths about Breast Cancer

1
Myth #1: Monthly breast self exams save lives
2
Myth #2: Mammograms can only help and not harm you
3
Myth #3: MRI is better than mammography because it finds more cancer
4
Truth #4: When breast cancer shows up on a mammogram, it may have been in your body for 6-10 years
5
Truth #5: Breast cancer mortality rates are declining
6
Myth #6: Mammograms prevent breast cancer
7
Truth #7: We don’t know how to prevent breast cancer
8
Myth #8: Most women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease
9
Myth #9: Men don’t get breast cancer
10
Truth #10: Risk of breast cancer increases with age
11
Truth #11: Most people think they have a higher risk of breast cancer than they actually do
12
Myth #12: Everyone's breast cancer is the same
13
Myth #13: Everyone who has a positive BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 test result will get breast cancer
14
Truth #14: The mortality rate from breast cancer is higher for African American women than for Caucasian women
15
Myth #15: In terms of survival, removing the entire breast is better than just cutting the cancer out and getting radiation
16
Myth #16: There are drugs that can prevent breast cancer
17
Myth #17: Once diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s very important to make treatment decisions immediately
18
Myth #18: Second opinions are only for treatment options. Once I know I have breast cancer, I can get a second opinion on how to treat the disease
19
Truth #19: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases your risk of breast cancer
20
Myth #20: With new treatments we can now cure breast cancer
21
Truth #21: You should question your doctor
22
Myth #22: If I am not a scientist, then I won’t be able to understand breast cancer research
23
Truth #23: Your tax dollars fund a significant amount of breast cancer research
24
Myth #24: My Senators and Members of Congress have no role in what happens in breast cancer
25
Myth #25: The media accurately reports breast cancer science
26
Myth #26: All breast cancer research is good because it moves us toward prevention and a cure
27
Myth #27: Breast cancer survivors are too close to the issue to participate in how research money is spent
28
Truth #28: Less than 3% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials
29
Truth #29: I can educate myself
30
Truth #30: I can influence what happens in Washington D.C. about breast cancer
31
Truth #31: I can make a difference