Breast Health
Myths about Breast Cancer
There are so many rumours and controversial theories as to what causes breast cancer, how to diagnose it and how to treat it. It is very difficult to know what to think or what to believe and we hope this will help you sort out the facts from the fiction.
Myth: Breast Cancer only affects older women.
Truth: It is true that the risk of developing breast cancer increases as we age, but breast cancer can occur at a young age.
Myth: Only women get breast cancer.
Truth: Men can also develop breast cancer. However, less than 1% of all breast cancers diagnosed will be diagnosed in a male. Each year approximately 105 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Both men and women have breast tissue – men just have less of it. Breast cancer in men is the same disease which affects women. Male breast cancer is treated the same way as a female breast cancer.
Myth: If no one has breast cancer in your family, you won’t get it.
Truth: Every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer. 9 out of 10 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. However, the more relatives you have with breast cancer, the higher your risk is of developing it.
Myth: Using antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer.
Truth: There is no evidence that using antiperspirants or reducing perspiration from the underarm increases your risk of developing breast cancer. This myth is based on misinformation about anatomy and a misunderstanding of breast cancer.
Myth: Being diagnosed with breast cancer is like a death sentence.
Truth: Breast cancer can be treated successfully when it is diagnosed early. The majority of women survive breast cancer.
Myth: Breast cancer is preventable.
Truth: The cause of breast cancer is unknown and there is no certain way of preventing it. The best defence that we have against breast cancer today is early detection.
Myth: A lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
Truth: Nearly 80% of breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). Lumpy breasts are very common and they can change with different times of the menstrual cycle. Any lump that is new or unusual should be checked by a doctor.
Myth: Only women with known risk factors develop breast cancer.
Truth: If you have one or more of the risk factors it does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer. All women are at risk and that risk increases as we get older.
Myth: Mammograms are bad for you.
Truth: Detecting breast cancer early is the best way to beat it. Having regular mammograms (every two years) when you are over the age of 50 is the best way of detecting breast cancer while it is still small. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during your mammogram is minimal. The benefits of a screening mammogram far out-weigh any associated risks.
Myth: Mammograms can prevent breast cancer.
Truth: Mammograms detect breast cancer; they do not prevent you from developing breast cancer.
Myth: The only family history that is important is from your mother’s side.
Truth: Both your mother’s and father’s family history is important when assessing your personal risk of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer genes can be inherited from either side of the family.
Myth: Trauma to the breast can cause breast cancer.
Truth: There is no evidence to prove that breast cancer is caused by trauma to the breast. Sometimes trauma to the breast can result in the detection of a breast cancer but this is because the breast is being examined more closely than usual.
Myth: Terminating a pregnancy (induced abortion) causes breast cancer.
Truth: There is no evidence to prove that having an abortion causes breast cancer. Such a claim is not supported by scientific evidence and only serves to cause unnecessary distress amongst women.
Myth: Breast cancer means you will lose your breast.
Truth: There are many different types of breast cancer and treatment options are different depending on a range of factors such as the type of breast cancer, the size of the tumour, the position of the tumour, the woman’s personal preference et cetera.
Myth: Breast cancer presents as a lump in the breast.
Truth: A lump in the breast is only one change that may indicate breast cancer. All women (young or older) are encouraged to ‘Be Breast Aware’. The changes you should look for include a lump, lumpiness, or an area of thickening, changes to the skin such as dimpling, puckering or redness, nipple discharge, nipple itchiness, new nipple inversion, an area that feels different to the rest of the breast or a new and persistent pain. If you do find any of the changes mentioned then it is important to see your doctor straight away.