Written by MASSH
Oct 14, 2024
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types that affects women across the world. This has led to a lot of misinformation and myths about the condition being openly spread across the internet. A cancer diagnosis is an extremely stressful experience for any person, and there are hordes of people who take advantage of grieving people and sell them cures or unscientific treatments for cancer.
The truth about breast cancer is that it is a difficult condition that requires active medical surveillance and treatment to put into remission. As of yet, there are no known “cures” for breast cancer. However, there are several treatment options that can help you or your loved ones. So, to help you protect yourself against myths, here are the most crucial breast cancer myths and facts you should know about.
This is a common myth that surrounds breast cancer, but it is simply not true. There is no medical or scientific proof that ties breast cancer risk to the type of undergarments you wear. The myth was generated because of different medical research, which claimed underwires in women’s brassieres cause problems with lymphatic drainage. However, this research has also been thoroughly disproved over time. It is crucial to note that there may be products (undergarments) you find on the internet that claim they can help you prevent breast cancer or lower your risks, but these products are not genuine and do not alter your cancer risk in any way.
No, this is not true. There can be a non-malignant tumour in your breasts as well. In fact, a majority of the lumps that are detected are not associated with breast cancer in most cases. In the case of non-cancerous lumps in the breast. They can be caused by fibrocystic changes or cysts. It is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about any lumps that you discover in your breasts. This is crucial because several diagnostic tests are required to understand the nature of the lump found inside the breasts. Other breast cancer symptoms, along with a lump in the breast, can help doctors diagnose breast cancer. If you have any symptoms like breast pain or discharge from the nipples, along with breast lumps, get medical attention as soon as possible.
While lumps are commonly associated with breast cancer, they are not the only sign of the condition. In some cases, other symptoms may be present, such as dimpling of the breast skin or a sudden change in the size or shape of the breast. The lumps may not be easily feelable for you in some cases and may only be screened during diagnostic tests such as mammograms. It is crucial to keep a note of your breasts and be aware of how they look and feel. It helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and enables you to report any sudden changes to your breasts to the doctors. An early diagnosis helps improve the treatment options for breast cancer significantly.
This is among one of the most important myths about breast cancer that you must know the truth about. Mammograms are crucial screening tests that can help you diagnose breast cancer in its early stages and get the condition treated easily. Mammograms do use radiation. However, the amount of radiation it uses is safe and doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, the only person at risk of breast cancer from mammograms is the radiologist who performs the test as they are exposed to the level of radiation repeatedly several times a day. This is why radiologists perform the tests from behind a protective layer to prevent additional exposure to radiation, which could increase their cancer risk. So, to sum it up, mammograms are safe, and they do not increase your risk of breast cancer.
While surgical treatment is commonly used for low-grade breast cancer tumours to prevent their spread and lower the risk of recurrence, it is not the only treatment option. There are several systemic treatments for breast cancer that can help you, too. The type of treatment recommended is based on the stage of cancer, its spread and overall aggressiveness. Surgical treatments may be required to treat your condition, or they may be avoided if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Systemic treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy can be highly successful in such cases.
Breast implants are not directly linked to breast cancer risk. The only way they have any relation to your breast cancer risk is that breast implants make it harder for breast lumps to be detected in a mammogram. To battle this, several new mammogram techniques have been created to ensure that anybody who has breast implants is not at a higher risk of the condition due to late diagnosis. If you have breast implants, be sure to mention it to your doctors before going through screening tests. It will help you make sure you are safe from any risk of late detection of breast cancer.
There was a concern that chemicals could be absorbed into the skin when you use deodorants, and it could increase your risk of breast cancer. However, this notion has been thoroughly debunked by the medical community as it has not been proven by any medical research. As of now, there’s no proof that the use of deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer. However, if you are concerned about using one, there are several other options you can choose from, such as natural deodorants.
This is a serious myth about breast cancer. Even though it is very rare, breast cancer is possible among men. Statistically, men get only 1% of all the breast cancer cases in the world. It is quite rare for men to get this condition, but it is possible. Men are also required to follow similar breast cancer prevention tips, such as cessation of smoking and limiting the intake of alcoholic beverages to lower their risk of breast cancer. As a man, if you notice any changes to the shape or size of your breast, changes to the nipples such as discharge leakage, or the presence of lumps in your breast. It is crucial that you get it checked immediately and get the required medical help.
Though breast cancer is more common among older women, it is not exclusive to them. Breast cancer can affect women of all ages, and they should stay wary of the condition, its symptoms, and risk factors. Generally, women over the age of 50 are most commonly affected by breast cancer. However, the condition is possible for women under the age of 50 as well. Women who have undergone menopause are at a higher risk of breast cancer generally because this condition is more common among women who are older. Younger women should take preventative steps to lower their risk of breast cancer and prevent the condition or lower its risks.
While there are many very helpful breast cancer prevention tips, they do not guarantee that you can prevent breast cancer altogether. The truth about breast cancer is that the condition can happen to anyone based on underlying risk factors such as genetics, family history, and lifestyle factors. While it is considered smoking increases the risk of breast cancer, everybody who smokes doesn’t get breast cancer. Similarly, if you have never smoked in your life, it doesn’t mean you can’t get breast cancer. The root cause of breast cancer is not clearly understood. The only thing preventative measures help is to reduce the risk of breast cancer in people with normal breast cancer risks. For people with a family history or genetical predisposition to a higher risk of breast cancer, these preventative measures may not have the same effect in reducing their risk of the condition. However, it is still highly recommended that everyone, despite their cancer risk, follow the general lifestyle and dietary practices that can help them lower their risk of breast cancer. It helps you stay generally healthier and can help your body respond to treatments better.
These are some of the most important breast cancer myths and facts that you need to know about. With the truths known, be sure to keep a check on the symptoms discussed here and go for regular doctor visits to learn more about when you need mammography. Also, remember to perform regular self-breast cancer checks to keep yourself safe and detect any changes to your breast at the earliest. For more information about breast cancer and its treatment options, check out MASSH. We specialise in minimally invasive breast cancer treatment options that are highly specialised and offer quick recovery with minimal risks. Check out our website or visit us today to consult with our specialists and take the first step to a breast cancer-free life today.
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