Breast cancer Myths

Survey shows breast cancer myths persist

Wednesday Sep 28 18:00 AEST
By Sheryl Taylor
National Nine News medical reporter

Breast cancer kills 2500 Australian women each year, but the results of a national survey on women's' knowledge about the cancer show that many are ignoring risk factors and delaying early detection tests, putting their lives at risk.

The survey of 3000 women found myths are often believed ahead of lifesaving facts.

"It's frightening," says Professor Don Iverson, from the National Breast Cancer Centre.

"Not just because it's the biggest cancer killer, but because it's the program we spent the most money on."

Half the women surveyed thought breast cancer was a young person's disease.

"But the risk of breast cancer increases with increasing age," says Dr Helen Zorbas, from the centre.

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