Almost 70 percent of patients with breast cancer detected in severe conditions or advanced stage. That is why the campaign the importance of early detection of the disease continues to be encouraged to facilitate handling.

But the campaign is not without obstacles. One of the constraints on the handling of these cases in Indonesia is a socio-cultural factors in society. There are still many who believe in alternative medicine, traditional healers, even erroneous myths about breast cancer.

Specialist Surgical Oncology of Cancer Hospital Dharmais, Dr Sutjipto, Sp.B (K) Onk, say, public awareness about this disease is still low.

It was evident from the results of a survey of a number of women who receive counseling about breast cancer from the Breast Health Foundation in Jakarta during 2004-2005. Nearly 80 percent said they have not understood the importance of breast checkups. Only 10.5 percent are aware of the need to check up the breast. The rest did not know the answer.

"Some people still believe in the myths are wrong. They prefer to use herbal remedies, "said Sutjipto, on the sidelines of a seminar 'Introduction and Detection of Breast Cancer', at the Hotel Aryaduta, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 9, 2010.

Incorrect information potentially increases the risk of breast cancer. So as not to get stuck with the wrong information, know the myths and facts about this disease:

1. Just old age attacked woman
Researchers call, 77 percent of breast cancer cases appear in more than 50 years of age. It is true that the risk of breast cancer increases as one's manhood. However, breast cancer can affect anyone at any age.

2. Fatty foods trigger
A number of studies failed to find any direct relationship between consumption of fatty foods and breast cancer risk. What happens is that overweight factors become risk factors. That is why it is necessary to avoid fat intake to maintain ideal weight.

3. Hereditary disease
Every woman's risk of breast cancer. About 80 percent of women affected by breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer. Increasing age as you get older organ is the hyper breast cancer risk.

4. Deodorant trigger cancer
There is no evidence to support the statement that the active ingredients found in deodorant can boost risk of breast cancer. The relationship between breast cancer and deodorant is misinformation about anatomy and breast cancer.