During Breast Cancer Awareness month, I urge everyone to take a moment to make sure their beliefs and attitudes about breast cancer are accurate. When we unknowingly are guided by myths or half truths, we may miss opportunities to take the best care of ourselves.

I've especially heard a lot of myths about breast cancer, and I have to admit that I believed many of them myself in the past.

Myth one: Breast cancer doesn't run in my family. I personally learned otherwise when my mother was diagnosed at age 45. Prompted to look deeper, we later learned of some other possible breast cancers in the extended family. It's very common for families not to talk openly about illnesses until a new case pops up and is diagnosed. I urge you to talk to your parents, grandparents, and other relatives to learn not just about breast cancer but about any specific diseases in your family, especially cancers.

Myth two: Breast cancer doesn't strike women with small breasts. If there isn't much there to begin with, then it can't happen, right? Wrong! Any amount of breast tissue has the potential to become cancerous. Although quite rare, even men who have just a smidgen of breast tissue can develop cancer there. So, even if you stuff your bra with silicone inserts, I urge you to get screened for breast cancer and do monthly self exams.

Myth three: I have breast implants, so I can't get mammograms. False! Mammograms are still a must. Some physicians are considering moving toward other imaging modalities like MRI for those with implants, but for now the trusty old squish of the mammogram is still the chief way of checking. If you have implants, talk with your doctor and breast radiologist annually about any technology updates.

Myth four: I'm too young to get breast cancer. I have heard of young women in the midst of pregnancy with newly diagnosed breast cancer. While it becomes more likely as we age, breast cancer can happen at any time. To be safe, start your self breast exams in your late teens!

Myth five: I'm too old to bother with my mammogram. The purpose of mammography is to detect early-stage cancers — the stage when they are most easily treated. Unless you are suffering from a terminal medical condition, you will most likely continue to benefit from ongoing regular testing.

So consider the beliefs that you hold about breast cancer and discuss them with your doctor; if erroneous, they may be holding you back from the best possible care!