Despite recent advances in breast cancer screening and treatment technology, questions about breast cancer, especially its causes, remain unanswered. In this article, I will clarify a few common misconceptions about the risk of breast cancer. Myth #1: I’m young, so I don’t need to worry about breast cancer yet. The truth is: when you are young, breast cancer is probably the least of your worries. Indeed, the risk of breast cancer is directly proportional to age. Women between the ages of 22 and 39 have a lower incidence rate than women 40 and older. However, the possibility of breast cancer still exists in younger groups of women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer. Therefore, the earlier breast cancer screening is performed, the better. Experts recommend monthly breast self-examinations starting at age 20. Myth 2: I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, therefore I won’t get breast cancer. The truth is that women whose mothers or sisters had breast cancer are more likely to develop breast cancer than others. However, 90 percent of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer. Myth #3: The majority of breast cancer patients have one or more risk factors. The truth is: a woman is likely to develop breast cancer regardless of whether she has a known risk factor. In fact, the vast majority of breast cancer patients do not have any risk factors other than being a woman themselves. Known risk factors for breast cancer include: family history, late childbearing (after age 30) or infertility, early menarche (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), long-term use or current use of oral contraceptives within the past 10 years, and excessive alcohol consumption. Myth 4: Breast cancer can be prevented. The truth is: Although the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer in some women, most breast cancers cannot actually be prevented. Early screening, early detection and curative treatment are the keys to beating breast cancer. Myth #5: Annual mammograms will increase my risk of cancer by exposing me to radiation. The truth is: American College of Radiology studies show that the benefits of annual mammograms far outweigh the risk of radiation exposure. The radiation exposure per mammogram is equivalent to two hours of sunlight exposure. And mammograms can detect early lesions one to two years before the clinical appearance of a palpable mass. And only early diagnosis of breast cancer has a chance of cure. Myth 6: I will not breastfeed because breastfeeding increases the risk of breast cancer. The truth is: On the contrary, breastfeeding will reduce the risk of breast cancer in women before menopause. Not only is breastfeeding good for the baby, but the mother will also benefit, including a reduced risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. In addition, the longer breastfeeding lasts, the lower a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer may be.