Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, 685,000 people died from breast cancer, and 2.3 million received a diagnosis. It reported: “As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.”
Its prevalence might help explain why there is a wide range of myths attached to it. Let’s tackle 15 of the most common misunderstandings.
1. A breast injury can cause breast cancer
Injury to the breast cannot cause breast cancer. However, it can cause changes in the breast that may mimic breast cancer on imaging. This process is called fat necrosis, and it can look like an irregular mass with jagged edges on a mammogram, much like the appearance of a new breast cancer. The best way to distinguish cancer from fat necrosis is with a needle biopsy.
2. Underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer
Although underwire bras do not increase breast cancer risk, it is always recommended to use bras without a wire. The wire can irritate the skin under the breast, which can lead to skin breakdown. This breakdown may allow bacteria to enter the breast, causing an infection or an abscess, or both.
3. No one in my
family had breast cancer,
so I won’t develop it
This is a myth. It is very common for people with a new breast cancer diagnosis to be shocked by the diagnosis, considering that they have no family history. The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with a new breast cancer have no risk factors. In fact, the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman. Around the world, one in eight women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime. Only about 5–10% of breast cancers are caused by a genetic mutation that is passed between family members. This means that the majority of breast cancers are sporadic, or have no hereditary cause. Because family history is only one factor in the risk of breast cancer, screening is important. The message is that every woman, starting at 40 years of age, should have a yearly mammogram, regardless of a family history of breast cancer. Those women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should be evaluated by a genetics counselor by the age of 30. This group of women may need to begin breast cancer screening prior to the age of 40.
If you are a woman and at least 40 years old, please get your screening mammograms!
4. Being stressed can cause breast cancer
With the ever-present stresses of modern life, it is no surprise that people are concerned about how stress might impact health. However, there is absolutely no evidence to support a link between stress and breast cancer. In fact, there is evidence to support that stress does not increase breast cancer risk. That is not to say that stress cannot impact health at all, however. Part of being human is finding effective ways to deal with the stress we all will inevitably face. This can have profound health benefits, both mentally and physically, but will do nothing to mitigate breast cancer risk.
5. A healthy lifestyle
eliminates breast cancer risk
While it is true that postmenopausal women who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, there is nothing that a woman can do to eliminate breast cancer risk. Even women who undergo bilateral mastectomy are still at risk of developing a new breast cancer. However, it is not suggesting to start “smoking and eating fast food every day.” It is of the utmost importance to take care of the body, because we only get one. But even world class athletes have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
6. Breast cancer only
happens to older adults
While it is true that breast cancer risk increases as women age, and the average age of a new breast cancer diagnosis is 61 years, breast cancer can occur much earlier. About 5% of new breast cancer diagnoses are in women under the age of 40 years. There, unfortunately, have been reports of women in their early 20s, and even teens, who were diagnosed. There is typically a strong family history in these young women. Persons with a significant lifetime breast cancer risk based on a strong family history may qualify for genetic testing and early screening starting at age 25. Although breast cancer is rarer in younger people, persons are encouraged to bring any concerning findings in their breast to their doctor’s attention, and follow their recommended screening guidelines.
7. All lumps in the breast signal breast cancer
This is a myth. Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous. The majority of new breast lumps are benign. And, if they had a recent mammogram that was normal, then that percentage is likely even higher. Any new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
* Breast cancer is an incredibly difficult disease to fight or to watch a loved one go through. However, no one has to go through it alone. Early detection is a better choice!
