Can deodorants cause breast cancer? Does stress increase my risk? Are underwired bras a bad idea? It's time to separate fact from fiction...

- Tips and facts about being breast aware

Can deodorants cause breast cancer?

To date, there is no hard evidence to prove or disprove this.

What about underwired bras?

There is no evidence that wearing a tight-fitting or an underwired bra can cause breast cancer.

If I’m stressed, can this increase my risk?

There is no hard evidence that being stressed increases your risk of developing breast cancer. More research needs to be done in this area.

I’ve read living near electricity pylons can cause breast cancer. Is this true?

There is no evidence linking electricity pylons to breast cancer.

Do bruises on my breast cause breast cancer?

There is no evidence that injury or trauma to the breast causes or increases the risk of breast cancer.

If I’m younger, am I more likely to get breast cancer?

Around 80 per cent of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50, although 8,000 women under the age of 50 develop breast cancer each year in the UK. Only five per cent of all cases are in women in their 20s and 30s.

Does pregnancy increases my risk?

Pregnancy does not increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, the more children a woman has, the lower her risk of getting breast cancer. Having children at a young age also reduces the risk.

Can eating healthily help?

Experts estimate that 30 per cent of all cancers are linked to diet. There have been many studies into the possible link between diet and breast cancer, but there is no conclusive link to date. Fat intake, particularly animal fat, may cause a small increased risk of breast cancer but probably does not play as large a role as was once thought.

Can doing exercise help?

It is estimated that about eight per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK may be attributable to being overweight. Some studies suggest that regular exercise and a healthy diet could reduce the risk of breast cancer, but this has not been conclusively proved.

Being overweight or obese, as measured by high body mass index or BMI, after menopause slightly increases your risk of breast cancer. There is some evidence that the effect of a high BMI is stronger in women who do not use HRT.

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from to Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by visiting www.breastcancercare.org.uk