Mass media have played a significant role in dispelling some of the cancer myths and fears. Today, we can have hope as this dreaded disease can go into remission or we can extend our lifespan with the disease.

Breast cancer has been blamed on hereditary genes (genetics), environmental pollution, and lifestyle conditions (especially eating high-fat foods, a poor immune system and cultivating high-risk stress factors).

Genetic factor

A study indicated that among middle-aged women, only 2.5 per cent of breast cancer cases were attributed to family history (Colditz G. A., Family History: Age and Risk of Breast Cancer).

Wearing brassieres

A two-year study was done by Sydney Singer, a medical anthropologist, examining ways in which our lifestyles make us sick and he came up with the theory that 'there is no such disease as breast cancer which manifested in a woman's breast'. He discovered that where there were no bras, there was little breast cancer disease.

Some 5,000 women were interviewed regarding their attitude and behaviour on wearing bras. About half had breast cancer. Further investigation revealed that the women who wore tighter and longer bras had a history of breast cancer and those who did not wear bras, did not. The researcher threw out a challenge that if a woman stopped wearing bras for two weeks fibrocystic breast disease would disappear.

The myth that bras are needed for support cannot support the fact that a bra-constricted breast is unable to perform a cleansing process for toxins to be flushed out through the lymphatic system. High-fat diets are associated with cancer not because of the fat itself but the toxin content of fats produced in our chemical-dependent food production system. These toxins must be flushed out through the lymphatic system.

Oestrogen replacement therapy

A book written by Dr. Alan Gabay, Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis, explained that at least 28 different studies have evaluated the relationship between oestrogen replacement therapy and breast cancer, suggesting an increase in breast cancer in its presence.

Stress, fear and anxiety

Over the years, observing many of my associates who have been diagnosed with cancer, I have noticed a conflict between the soul and the spirit. Miracles do happen when one can release emotional conflicts through forgiveness and loving oneself. Accumulation of fears over a lifetime or even a short time can bring injury within. Deep-scarred resentment does cause cancer cells to proliferate. Learn to pray from the heart and not the head.

Raw beetroot

Folk anecdote for dissolving cancer tumour is using raw beetroot. When this is taken as a juice there is danger of the patient contracting a high fever because of its ability to quickly break up the cancer faster than the liver is capable of (Heinemann's Encyclopaedia of Fruits and Vegetables).