Common Myths About Breast Cancer – Busted!
Breast cancer is a topic that brings up a lot of questions and misconceptions. In this article, we’ll clear up some of the most common myths about breast cancer with expert input from Dr. Zeidman, a breast cancer specialist.
1. A Breast Injury Can Cause Breast Cancer
Myth: An injury to the breast can cause cancer.
Fact: An injury to the breast can’t cause cancer. However, it can cause changes like fat necrosis, which can appear as a lump on a mammogram, much like breast cancer. The best way to tell the difference is through a needle biopsy.
2. Underwire Bras Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer
Myth: Wearing underwire bras increases the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: There’s no evidence linking underwire bras to breast cancer. However, Dr. Zeidman suggests choosing bras without wires to avoid irritation and potential skin breakdown, which could lead to infections or abscesses.
3. IVF Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer
Myth: In vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: While IVF treatments use drugs to stimulate the ovaries, which mimic estrogen, there’s no proven link between IVF and breast cancer. A comprehensive review of studies found no increase in breast cancer risk for women who had IVF compared to the general population.
4. No One in My Family Had Breast Cancer, So I Won’t Develop It
Myth: If there’s no family history of breast cancer, I’m not at risk.
Fact: Dr. Zeidman says that most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. In fact, around 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary. The main risk factor is being a woman, and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Regular screenings are important, even if you don’t have a family history.
5. Being Stressed Can Cause Breast Cancer
Myth: Stress causes breast cancer.
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that stress directly causes breast cancer. While stress can affect your overall health, it doesn’t increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Zeidman emphasizes that managing stress is important for general well-being, but it won’t impact breast cancer risk.
6. A Healthy Lifestyle Eliminates Breast Cancer Risk
Myth: A healthy lifestyle completely eliminates the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: While maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can reduce the risk, there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of breast cancer. Even women who have had a mastectomy may still face a risk of developing breast cancer later on. Taking care of your body is important, but even healthy women can develop breast cancer.
7. Breast Cancer Only Happens to Older Adults
Myth: Breast cancer only affects older women.
Fact: While breast cancer is more common as women age, it can occur at any age. Around 5% of breast cancer diagnoses happen in women under 40. There are cases where younger women, even in their teens, may develop breast cancer, especially if they have a strong family history of the disease.
8. All Lumps in the Breast Signal Breast Cancer
Myth: Any lump in the breast means it’s cancer.
Fact: Most breast lumps are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. Dr. Zeidman notes that if you’ve had a recent normal mammogram, the chances of a new lump being cancerous are lower. However, any new lump should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out cancer.
9. Having an Abortion Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer
Myth: Abortion increases the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: Large studies, including a major one in Denmark, have shown no link between abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer. Dr. Zeidman points out that while there’s a connection between estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk, abortion does not significantly alter this.
10. Carrying a Phone in Your Bra Can Cause Cancer
Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
Fact: There’s no evidence to support that carrying a phone in your bra causes breast cancer. Dr. Zeidman says that while we don’t have long-term studies yet, there’s no reason to believe your phone will cause cancer. For now, it’s just a good idea to keep your phone in your pocket or bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can stress cause breast cancer?
No, there is no evidence linking stress to breast cancer. However, managing stress is important for overall health.
Q2: If there’s no family history, am I still at risk for breast cancer?
Yes, most breast cancers occur in women with no family history. The biggest risk factor is being a woman, with 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
Q3: Are underwire bras bad for breast health?
No, there’s no evidence that underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer, but they can irritate the skin and cause infections, so choosing a bra without a wire is a good idea.
Q4: Can I prevent breast cancer with a healthy lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer, but it cannot completely eliminate the risk. Even women who are healthy and fit can develop breast cancer.
Q5: Should I be concerned if I find a lump in my breast?
Not all lumps are cancerous. Most lumps are benign, but it’s important to get any new lump checked by a healthcare professional to be sure.
Conclusion
There are many myths surrounding breast cancer, but with the right knowledge, we can separate fact from fiction. It’s essential to understand that breast cancer can affect anyone, and the best way to protect yourself is through regular screenings and taking care of your health. If you’re concerned about breast cancer, consult with your doctor for the best advice and care.