October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of the awareness month, take a few minutes to review the most common myths about breast cancer and learn why they’re not true:

1. Myth: Breast cancer only affects women.
   Fact: Each year around 2,200 men receive a breast cancer diagnosis and 400 of them die from breast cancer.

2. Myth: Getting a mammogram can result in breast cancer spreading.
   Fact: Mammograms remain the single best method for detecting breast cancer as early as possible.

3. Myth: All women have a one in eight chance of getting breast cancer.
   Fact: The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. At age 30, the risk is about one in 233. By age 85, the risk is one in eight.

4. Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer increases your risk.
   Fact: While having a family member with breast cancer does put you in a higher risk group; approximately 70% of women with breast cancer have no known risk factors.

5. Myth: Breast cancer is contagious.
   Fact: Cancer is the result of uncontrolled mutated cell growth that spreads to other tissues within a certain area of the body. It isn’t possible to transfer these cells to another person’s body.

6. Myth: Most breast lumps are cancerous.
   Fact: Around 80% of the lumps on a woman’s breast come about through benign changes, cysts, or other conditions. It’s always important to report lumps to a physician in the event that they turn out to be cancerous.

7. Myth: Exposing a tumor to air during surgery spreads cancer.
   Fact: Surgery doesn’t cause breast cancer or make it spread. During a surgery, a physician may determine that cancer has spread more than was believed previously.

8. Myth: Certain antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
   Fact: There is no established link between the use of any antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent onset of breast cancer.

9. Myth: Underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer.
   Fact: Neither the type of bra that you wear nor the tightness of your underwear or other clothing contributes to breast cancer in any way.

10. Myth: Breast implants increase the risk of cancer.
    Fact: While standard mammograms don’t work as well on implants, the implants themselves don’t increase the risk of cancer.

The best way to fight breast cancer is through early diagnosis and treatment. But, for those women who are awaiting a plastic surgery or those who do not opt for reconstruction surgery, mastectomy bras are the perfect solution that can be used along with breast prosthesis.

Newport Center Orthopedic offers a wide variety of mastectomy bras and prosthesis from trusted brands. We have certified trainers, trained fitters on staff, and have private fitting rooms in our store.

Enjoy 20% sale on mastectomy and lymphedema products available in-store only during October in observance of the breast cancer awareness month!