Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Philippines, and unfortunately, no cure for it has been discovered yet. The only way to prevent it is to gain awareness about it and early detection of the disease.

What is especially tragic is expectant mothers or new mothers developing breast cancer. Postpartum breast cancer occurs once in every 3,000 pregnant women.

Here are some of the things you should know about postpartum breast cancer:
•    A woman’s risk of getting breast cancer increases once she hits 30 years old upon the birth of her first child or recent childbirth.
•    Women who just gave birth have a slightly higher short-term risk of developing breast cancer, which takes a dip after 10 years.

Moreover, let us set the record straight regarding the common beliefs about breast cancer:

Myth #1: Only women with a history of breast cancer in the family can have it.
The risk factors of around 70 percent of women with breast cancer are unidentifiable. If you have a first-degree relative (i.e. parent, child or sibling) who has had breast cancer, then your chances of getting it doubles.

Myth#2: Wearing underwire bras increases your risk of getting breast cancer.
Despite the rumors, ladies, you can keep wearing your underwire bras because no, they don’t compress your breast’s lymphatic system and they don’t cause toxins to build up in your breasts. Scientists have confirmed no association between different types of bras and the possibility of it increasing your risk of breast cancer.