Myths About Breast Cancer

Key Takeaways:

• Breast cancer results from changes (mutations) in the DNA of breast cells.
• Not all breast lumps are cancerous – 8 in 10 breast lumps are non-cancerous. 
• Myths around breast cancer can lead to delayed diagnosis, which can lead to complications.
• More than half of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed in stage III or IV. 
• Myths – only women get affected by breast cancer, breast cancer always causes a lump, only the elderly get affected by breast cancer, mastectomy is the only treatment option. 

Introduction 

Breast Cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast tissues. The condition is a result of changes in the cells that grow out of control. These growing cells lead to the formation of a mass called a breast lump. The changes in the cells happen when there are changes in the genetic material, though the exact cause of these changes is unknown. 

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming on its own, though what adds to this is the cloud of myths, half-truths and misinformation that surrounds it. Did you know? Finding a lump in the breast does not always mean you have cancer; around 8 in 10 breast lumps are benign. 

The myths surrounding breast cancer are quite a lot, and they often silence the facts that could save lives or help detect conditions early, which helps avoid complications. Therefore, there is an increased need for more awareness and addressing breast cancer myths. Busting myths is just not about facts; it’s also about saving lives, easing fear, and empowering people to act early.

Here’s Why Addressing Breast Cancer Myths Is Important

• Myths Delay Diagnosis:

  Myths like ‘I am too young’ or ‘I have no family history’ can stop people from seeking help early. According to the National Library of Medicine, around 60% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in stage III or IV. These Late diagnosis drastically reduces the chances of successful treatment.

• Myths Create Unnecessary Fear:

  There are numerous myths revolving around the treatment procedures of breast cancer, which lead to delaying medical care. A study reveals that breast cancer patients are scared of surgery (mastectomy), fear chemotherapy, and fear losing their’ natural shape. Did you know? According to a survey by Breast Cancer Care, over 60% of women fear the loss of their natural shape after surgery. Therefore, awareness is the key and leads to busting down the myths like ‘If I have a surgery, I will lose my breast’, though there are breast conservation surgeries which help preserve the natural shape of the breast. 

• Myths Lead to Isolation:

  Myths around breast cancer, like breast cancer only happens to women of a certain lifestyle, it’s contagious, it’s always fatal, and more, can lead to guilt, shame, and social exclusion. Plus, being diagnosed with breast cancer is already emotionally overwhelming, and these myths can lead to delayed or avoided treatment, social withdrawal, depression, and more. 

The importance of awareness in the treatment of breast cancer is huge and encourages women to seek help early, improve emotional support systems, reduce stigma and isolation, and empower patients to make informed choices confidently. 

Also Read: Lumpectomy VS Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Treatment. Which is the most effective?

Top 10 Myths About Breast Cancer 

Below are the most common myths about breast cancer, which often lead to delayed diagnosis, resulting in negative consequences. Here’s what you shouldn’t believe: 

• Only the elderly are diagnosed with breast cancer:

  One of the most common myths revolving around breast cancer is that only people aged above 50 years get diagnosed with breast cancer. Though breast cancer can affect anyone after puberty, some aggressive types of breast cancer are higher in younger people. Fact: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. 

• If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you won’t get it:

  A lot of people think breast cancer is an inherited disease. However, only 5 to 10% of breast cancers are inherited. Many people with no family history of breast cancer develop it, and people with a family history do not. Breast cancer (risk factor & prevention of breast cancer) can affect anyone regardless of family history of the condition. 

• Only women get diagnosed with breast cancer:

  Another very common myth around breast cancer is that it only affects women. While it is true that it overwhelmingly affects women, men are also affected by breast cancer. Thus, men should also look for any abnormal changes and consult a specialist (breast cancer specialist)  if there are changes like lumps, discharge, etc.

• Breast cancer always causes a lump:

  People are often under the impression that the condition always causes a lump in the breast (causes, symptoms & treatment of breast lump), and take it as an excuse to skip mammograms. But it is a big-time myth. Breast cancer does not always cause a lump, or even by the time it does, the cancer might have spread to other parts of the body.

• Mammogram causes breast cancer:

  This is a known myth about breast cancer, which prevents people from early diagnosis. However, mammograms (breast cancer tests), the X-ray used to screen breast cancer, do not cause breast cancer. Instead, mammograms help in the early detection of breast cancer and increase survival rates.

• Mastectomy is the only treatment option:

  Many people think that mastectomy is the only treatment available for breast cancer, which makes them hesitant to treat it. However, mastectomy (types, risks, recovery & reconstruction) is not the only option, and many patients are eligible for breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy, and reconstruction.

• A lump in the breast always means breast cancer:

  Finding a lump in the breast is very commonly associated with breast cancer. Though 80% of breast lumps are non-cancerous (benign) (benign breast diseases). 

• Wire bras and deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer:

  These old claims are still believed to be true, but none of this is associated with increased risk of breast cancer (high risk of breast cancer- screening guidelines). According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no scientific evidence linking wearing bras and using deodorants with an increased risk.

• Eating sugar causes breast cancer to grow faster:

  Consuming sugar is also associated with an increased risk of the development of breast cancer. However, there is no evidence proving the myth that consuming sugar increases the risk. 

• All breast cancers are treated the same way:

  It is also a common misbelief people fall for, but the fact is that the treatment plan depends on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, tumour size, age of the patient, and patient’s preferences. The treatment plans are tailored to give the best possible outcome, with fewer side effects.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide, and with this wide number comes numerous myths surrounding the condition. These myths can lead to a delay in diagnosis, a delay in treatment, resulting in unfavourable results or long-term consequences. It is important to be aware of the facts and how they can help with the early detection and treatment of the condition. Debunking myths and raising awareness can lead to early detection of signs and symptoms, understanding the condition better, taking better steps, and analysing the effects of treatment. It is important to consult your healthcare provider in case you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts and seek clarification. 

Read More: Breast Pain – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

FAQs

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes, men also get affected by breast cancer. 

Does having a lot of caffeine increase my risk of breast cancer?

No, having a lot of caffeine does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Does breast cancer always start with a lump?

No, breast cancer does not always cause a lump.