Cancer
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
17 Deadly Rumors About Breast Cancer
Genetics
Genetics
Myth: Only those with a family history
of breast cancer are at risk.
Buster: Eighty-five
percent of those with breast cancer have no family history of the disease,
according the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. However,
having a direct blood relative, like a mother or sister, with the disease does
increase your odds. And while you can't change your genes, personal lifestyle
factors, like what you eat and how often you exercise, can be altered to reduce
your risk. (See 12 ways to slash your breast cancer risk).
By Katherine Solem. Published October 12, 2010. Katherine Solem is a health writer and editor living in San Francisco.
