10 Things You Have Heard About Breast Cancer - Myths Or Facts?

"I am too young to worry about breast cancer."
"If you have a lump in your boob, it is cancer."
"I don't have a family history. I am safe."
"Thank God, I am a male."

Have you heard somebody say this and wondered if it was actually true? Here are some myth busters for you.

Myth #1: Males don't get breast cancer

Believe it or not --- men do get it. Only, the risk is much lower than in women. For every 100 women who can get this, only one man may get it. Men are lucky, but not completely safe.

Myth #2: It occurs only in elderly ladies.

Yes, the risk increases with age. But, a lady is never too young to worry about breast cancer. Recent trends show an increase of its incidence in younger age groups. This could be related to the changes in life style or changes in the menstrual pattern.

Today, more and more women in their thirties are being diagnosed with the condition. The youngest patient I have read about was only four years old at diagnosis. So, please remember - you are never too young for it!

Myth # 3: If somebody on my father's side of the family has it, that does not affect my risks.

Family history from both the mother's as well as the father's sides are important. Sometimes, the cause may be a genetic mutation. And such genetic changes can be transmitted to you from either side of the family.

Myth #4: I am safe from it as I have no family history.

Yes, the family history is important. But it is not the only risk factor for the disease. There are many other factors involved. Even if nobody from either side of the family ever had it, you can still get it. Around 70% of patients diagnosed with the condition show no identifiable risk factor.

Myth #5: If you have a lump in the breast, it is most likely to be cancer.

More than 80% of such lumps are noncancerous. These can be caused due to accumulation of fluid (cysts), fatty tissue (lipoma), fibrous tissue (fibroma) etc. However, do not neglect any change whatsoever. Consult a doctor if you notice any kind of change. Detecting cancer early can mean a big difference in your life.

Myth #6: Underwire bras increase your risk.

There are some claims that underwire bras compress the lymphatic system leading to accumulation of toxins, and thus causing cancer. Most researchers, however, say that it unscientific. There is no scientific evidence to prove that wearing underwire or tight bras can increase your risks. Go ahead and wear a bra you are most comfortable in. Bras have nothing to do with your risk for cancer.

Myth #7: If you have a dense or lumpy breast, you are at a greater risk.

Women with lumpy or dense boobs were earlier believed to have higher risks. But, nowadays, researchers believe there is no such connection. Lumpy or dense tissue makes it difficult to differentiate the normal tissue from the cancerous tissue. So, your doctor may often advise your mammograms to be followed by an ultrasound examination.

Myth #8: If your mammography results are negative, it means you do not have breast cancer.

Though mammograms are really helpful in detecting the condition, about 10 to 20% of cases may go undetected by a mammogram. This is the reason why doctors insist that your screening should include regular clinical exams and monthly self exams.

Myth #9: Annual mammograms can expose you to increased radiation and in fact increase the chances of cancer.

Yes, radiation is used in mammography. But the amount is so small that even if there is any increased risk, it is likely to be very minimal compared to the amount of benefit you get by having lumps detected early. A mammogram can help you to detect a lump much before you can feel it. And this increases your chances of survival.

Myth #10: Breast cancer is preventable.

Sadly, no. You can make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, losing weight etc, to lower your risk. However, since 70% of women with the condition have no identifiable risk factor, we can say it occurs mostly due to 'as-yet-unexplained factors'. What you can do to help yourself is, conduct a monthly self exam and a get a periodic clinical check up by a doctor and go for an annual mammogram. All you can possibly do is beat the condition by early detection and treatment.

Dr Natasha Das is a freelance medical writer from India. She is actively involved with the formation of the upcoming All India Medical Writers Association (AIMWA). She is the coauthor of the ebook Becoming a Medical Writer (Indian Edition).

Breast Cancer Information
Breast Cancer Information