Learn and check

Knowledge corner

Myth cards, a short quiz, common questions and a checklist, all built on the sourced statements from the Awareness page.

A lesson outline, discussion prompts and printables.

Myths, turned over

Each card holds a common belief. Turn it over to read what health bodies say.

Myth
A lump that doesn't hurt is nothing to worry about.
What the evidence says
People with an abnormal breast lump should seek medical care, even if the lump does not hurt.
Myth
Every breast lump means cancer.
What the evidence says
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, although most breast lumps are not cancer.
Myth
Only women get breast cancer.
What the evidence says
Approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.
Myth
Breast cancer is contagious.
What the evidence says
In general, no. Cancer is not a contagious disease that easily spreads from person to person. The only situation in which cancer can spread from one person to another is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation.
Myth
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
What the evidence says
No. The best studies so far have found no evidence linking the chemicals typically found in antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in breast tissue.
Myth
Wearing a bra causes breast cancer.
What the evidence says
There is no scientific or clinical data that shows that wearing a bra changes the risk of having breast cancer.
Myth
A positive attitude decides who gets cancer and who survives it.
What the evidence says
To date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that links a person’s “attitude” to their risk of developing or dying from cancer.

This information is for awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Each answer is quoted from a health body.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control and form tumours.
Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast.

Can men get breast cancer?

Why does finding it early make a difference?

Mortality is reduced when breast cancer cases are detected and treated early.
Treatments for breast cancer are more effective and are better tolerated when started early and taken to completion.

Does a breast lump always mean cancer?

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, although most breast lumps are not cancer.
It's important to have any new breast mass, lump, or other change checked by an experienced healthcare professional so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

Does having a risk factor mean someone will get breast cancer?

A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as breast cancer. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you will get cancer.

Where can women in Lebanon get a mammogram?

Mammograms are now available at every government hospital throughout the year for all Lebanese women over 40.
For enquiries about mammography centres, call 1214.

I'm caring for a family member with cancer. What about me?

This information is for awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

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What I know and have done

The campaign's downloads, and the health bodies to read more from.

The health bodies whose pages this site quotes.

English translation by the initiative team.