25 Myths about Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is very common and is a much discussed topic. It is a form of malignancy that in recent years has seen rapid changes in the way it is treated and improvements in the survival and quality of life of women affected. Unfortunately, the information provided is often inaccurate and outdated, and therefore misleading. Such myths are very often invoked by women in the prevention phase and even after diagnosis of breast cancer. Starting from the basic belief that a well-informed person is the best patient, we will help to dispel some related myths.
Myths about the factors that cause breast cancer:
- Underarm deodorants cause breast cancer
No major scientific study has been able to clearly show such a correlation. Deodorants have been implicated in causing so-called sweatoderma, a skin condition of the armpit. Such cases are very often treated at the Patras Breast Care Clinic, but they have no connection with cancer.
- Silicone implants cause cancer
The implants used today are clearly not carcinogenic, even if they break. Thus, they are used either for purely cosmetic reasons or for breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer.
- Laser hair removal of the armpit or nipple with laser causes cancer
Waxing is all about the skin and does not cause changes to the breast gland. For this reason it is not dangerous for the breasts.
- Piercing the nipple causes cancer
Another myth about a cosmetic breast surgery that does not correspond to reality. Nipple piercing can indeed cause some problems such as breast inflammation or breastfeeding difficulties, but not cancer.
- Tight bras cause cancer
No clear link has been found between malignancy and the use of tight bras. What they can indeed cause are disturbances of venous and lymphatic circulation in the breast and chest.
- Mobile phones cause breast cancer
There are many myths that have been heard about mobile phones. The myth about breast is, however, unfounded, as mobile phone use has nothing to do with breast.
- Breast bumps cause cancer
A trauma to the breast can cause a lump to form in the area, called liponecrosis. On imaging radiology tests for the breast it may look like cancer. Such cases are common. At the Patras Breast Care Clinic, the diagnosis is made by guided percutaneous biopsy, as these lumps do not require surgery.
- Stress causes cancer
We all have it, either a little or a lot, and it’s detrimental to health in general. Stress alone, however, does not cause breast cancer. Excessive stress can lead some people to alcohol and obesity, and these are indeed factors that increase the chance of breast cancer.
- Caffeine increases the risk of breast cancer
No such correlation has been proven. Caffeine may aggravate benign breast pain. Many women with fibrocystic breasts experience a reduction in swelling and pain symptoms with a reduction in caffeine intake (coffee and tea).
- Men don’t get breast cancer because they don’t have breasts
And yet, men have a little bit of gland behind their nipples and can get breast cancer. For every 100 female patients there is one man with breast cancer. Immediate investigation by a Breast Specialist is required for any swelling of the male breast.
- The chances of getting breast cancer cannot be reduced
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There are factors we can influence and reduce – but not eliminate – risk. A healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol intake and obesity, exercise and breastfeeding are some of them.
- Most cases of breast cancer run in families
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A common mistake, as a family history does increase the risk, but in the end only 5% of all cases are due to history. The remaining 95% are sporadic cases.
- Only women with a family history should be concerned
We hear this at the Patras Breast Care Clinic very often. “Doctor I’m not worried because no one in my family has it”. Unfortunately this is not true. We already mentioned that the vast majority of women who get it have no history. When there are symptoms, these should be investigated immediately.
Chasing cancer, not ghosts!
Myths related to breast cancer diagnosis:
- “I caught something in my breast, I probably have cancer!”
Fortunately, this is not the case. Over 80% of the lumps we palpate in the breast are benign in origin. However, any new finding should be thoroughly investigated by your breast specialist.
- “I have small breasts I won’t get cancer!”
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Any breast, regardless of size can get sick. Small breasts do indeed have an advantage, that of earlier and easier diagnosis. But it does not mean that women with small breasts should be indifferent.
- If cancer is present, breast compression on mammography causes spreading
Of course this is not the case. A mammogram is a necessary test when investigating a suspicious finding. Breast cancer is a solid tumor that is not affected by mammography pressure or any other cause.
- Preoperative biopsy needle for histological diagnosis causes dissemination
This is a myth that has been cunningly perpetuated by anachronistic medical circles to cover up a lack of expertise and modern education. Preoperative needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance (as offered at the Breast Care Clinic of Patras) is an integral part of the diagnostic approach to breast lumps in all medically developed countries. Clearly there is no spread of cancer and many medical studies have proven this for years.
- “If the mammogram is clean, I have nothing to fear”
Mammography is clearly valuable, but it is not a panacea. Proper screening includes a history and clinical examination by a qualified breast surgeon, as well as additional imaging tests such as breast ultrasound. The sum of these actions offers the best possible safety.
- Mammography prevents breast cancer
There is essentially no prevention for cancer. What we do is screening in asymptomatic women to achieve early diagnosis. If we catch breast cancer in the early stages, usually a cure is possible with the fewest possible treatments.
- Mammography radiation causes breast cancer
Yes, mastography has radiation (as do all x-rays). Is it dangerous? It’s very controversial whether the small dose of radiation we get from a mammogram can cause a problem. Considering the huge benefit of the early diagnosis that mammography offers, we would not be too concerned about the radiation.
- Fibrocystic breasts are more likely to get cancer
Wrong. dense fibrocystic breasts are more difficult to diagnose and identify the problem. This makes them more dangerous in practice, but they do not have a higher chance of developing cancer.
Myths in relation to breast cancer treatment
- “You probably have cancer, go straight to surgery”
Just another belief that is being artfully perpetuated by some for their own benefit. The modern response commands equanimity. It requires preoperative diagnosis by biopsy, complete preoperative screening and meticulous selection of the type of surgery. All this is impossible if with every suspicious lump we rush recklessly to the operating room.
- Mastectomy offers complete protection
Mastectomy, like all surgeries has indications and contraindications. It is recommended by the breast surgeon as a last resort as it is an amputation procedure. It is chosen more often than it should be, as patients think that “since all the breast is gone, I won’t have a problem in the future”. What not everyone knows is that even after a mastectomy a minimal amount of gland remains. So, we see recurrences of cancer even after mastectomy.
- Mastectomy is better than lumpectomy and radiotherapy
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One of the most significant medical advances in the treatment of breast cancer came in the 1980s. That’s when it was shown that the combination of a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective as mastectomy. Thus began the period when women stopped losing their breast every time they were diagnosed with cancer. Today, thanks to the advanced breast oncoplastic surgery we offer at the Breast Care Clinic of Patras, even large tumors can be removed with excellent aesthetic results.
- Anyone who has breast cancer needs chemotherapy
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Wrong. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the less chance of needing chemotherapy. Say “Yes” to screening and help find the problem quickly. Treatment is painless, usually does not include chemotherapy, and the cosmetic results of modern procedures are excellent.
October is a month dedicated to breast health. Health starts with proper awareness. Choose and ally with your qualified mammologist. Together you will dispel myths and protect yourself from a woman’s greatest enemy.
