Common Myths About Breast Cancer: Clarifying Facts Vs Myths

Breast cancer is one of the most widely spread cancers amongst women across the globe, but there remains a perplexing number of myths regarding its etiology, risk factors, and management. These myths are damaging because they can cause unwarranted anxieties, delays in reaching the diagnosis, or misinform preventive actions. Some of the most common myths revolving breast cancer needs to be corrected and one of them is outlined below.

Myth 1: Amongst Women Only A Woman Suffers From Breast Cancer

Reality: As breast cancer is predominantly seen in women, men are also at risk for it. Male breast cancer, which is a form of breast cancer, is exceptionally rare but accounts for nearly 1% of all breast cancer cases. Men have breast tissues and can develop cancer as a result of abnormal cell proliferation. For men, being informed about breast cancer and being able to detect it early are equally as important.

Myth 2: Breast Always Means Cancer Is Looming Around The Corner For You

Reality: Breast lumps do not translate to cancerous signs that are lurking in the shadows. The truth is, as most lumps are benign, and cysts and fibroadenomas are afflictions that one might develop. Any unusual lumps should always be taken seriously, so consulting a professional is always key. Early, regular, self-examinations and screenings should be conducted to ensure any alarming shifts take place within your body.

Myth 3: The Use Of A Bra Correlates To The Increase Of Breast Cancer.

Reality: There are no established links that have ever emerged pointing to the correlation between breast cancer with the use of a bra, specifically a push up bra. This myth stemmed from the assumption that a bra would cover the entire breast and therefore inhibit the removal of harmful substances from the body. However, studies have indicated that using a bra has no significant impacts towards the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Myth 4: Breast Cancer is Always Genetic.

Reality: While certain breast cancer cases are genetic in nature, there are a great number of cases arising from other women that are unrelated to their family lineage. This is connected to the notion that genetics influence every woman’s risk of suffering from breast cancer. Other lifestyle issues like age, where the individual resides, and their social environment are also important factors. Only 5-10% of the cases are due to inherited changes from a family lineage, like the BRCA1 mutation or BRCA2 mutation.

Myth 5: The Increased Use Of Underarm Or Deodorant Triggers Breast Cancer. 

Reality: It is a widely held belief that associating the use of anti perspirants with breast cancer is baseless. They allege that the removal of breast cancer cruxes through the use of anti perspirants will lead to the clogging of lymph nodes and therefore constellation of toxins being set free. Although, there is no substantial evidence to support this. The anti cancer elements to provably existing set the body’s means of doing away with toxins through the use of the liver and kidneys as opposed to the glands producing sweat.

Myth 6: Breast Implants Increase Breast Cancer Risk.

Reality: Breast cancer is absent among breast implants. Some types of implants, however, have been linked to a rare form of cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). For those people with implants, constant checkups are required to observe notable changes. 

Myth 7: Small Breasts Mean Lower Risk Of Breast Cancer.

Reality: Breast size does not determine breast cancer risk. Breast tissue is where cancerous growth occurs and all women, irrespective of breast size have it. It may be more difficult for women with large breasts to do self-examinations so more frequent checks are advisable.

Myth 8: A Mastectomy is the Sole Approach towards Breast Cancer Treatment.

Reality: Although mastectomy involves surgical removal of the breast, it is one of the treatment options available. It is not uncommon for patients to be able to undergo a successful lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. The primary treatment to be taken is best managed considering the stage and type of cancer, as well as other factors unique to the patient.

Myth 9: In case of having breast cancer, one will expect to lose their hair.

Reality: It is significant to note that not all treatments pertaining to breast cancer result in hair loss. Hair follicles tend to be affected during chemotherapy, however, other hormone therapies, targeted therapies or even radiation do not have hair-loss inducing effects. If indeed hair loss does occur, it tends to be loose and will go back to its rightful state post treatment.

Myth 10: Younger Women are Immune to Breast Cancer.

Reality: Younger women are getting breast cancer especially with the rise in breast cancer cases in older women. Younger women might make it difficult to diagnose since breast cancer in younger women tend to be more aggressive. Like in all breast cancer cases, it is best to be proactive and detect any signs as early as possible. All patients should consult a physician for any breast related changes irrespective of their age.

Myth 11: Sugar consumption directly increases the risk of developing cancer

Reality: Definitive connections have not been established between consuming sugar and an increased risk for breast cancer. While a diet with an excessive amount of sugar consumption can lead to obesity, and sugar in itself does not “feed” cancer but surely has a negative impact, it does not directly feed cancerous cells. A breast cancer diagnosis is serious; however, one thing that must be mentioned there is the importance of a balanced diet. Diet is an integral part to maintaining good health in general.

The Importance of Education and Routine Check-ups

Being informed about breast cancer makes a difference when it comes to prevention and treatment. The chances of a more positive treatment response is improved a lot when case of breast cancer is diagnosed earlier, eliminating the need for more complex treatments, therefore simple measures like mammograms are highly recommended for early detection of cancer, especially after reaching a certain age.

About Base Surgery Clinic

Base Surgery Clinic specializes in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer and other ailments. Our caring staff of specialists provides each patient with the medical attention that they rightfully deserve. We guide each patient through the healthcare system regardless of whether they are looking to get routine checkups, a second opinion, or more advanced customized treatment strategies.

At Base Surgery Clinic, worry no more as you take a step towards proper breast healthcare. Feel free to book your appointment to seek professional consultation because we are committed to helping you. Your health is our business!