Break It Down: Breast Health

With so many confusing and alarming reports about breast cancer, it’s tough to figure out what your risk really is. We asked top experts to help explain the latest facts behind the headlines—and discovered some very reassuring news.

- Mirel Ketchiff

The report:

Self-exams aren’t worth doing.

BREAK IT DOWN: Using two fingers and moving in a circular pattern to check your breasts for lumps and other changes once a month is no longer officially recommended. “Self-exams weren’t getting patients diagnosed any earlier, which is key for reducing breast cancer mortality,” says Dr. Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor,of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Instead, the focus has shifted to breast health awareness, she says. “You should know what’s normal for you—the symmetry of your breasts, what the skin and nipples look like, and what they feel like,” Dr. Mac Gregor says. “If you know that, you’ll know if there’s something abnormal, like lesions or lumps.”

The report:

Antiperspirants are risky.

BREAK IT DOWN: Natural deodorants are having a moment right now, and while there’s certainly no harm in ditching your old brand in favour of something without aluminum (the active ingredient in antiperspirants), doing so won’t reduce your odds of developing breast cancer. “There’s no evidence that deodorant or antiperspirant causes the disease,” Dr. Mac Gregor says.

The report:

Alcohol seriously ups your odds.