Breaking myths about breast cancer - What every woman should know

Breast cancer remains a health issue, for women globally with myths and misconceptions still circulating around it causing unnecessary anxiety and hindering prompt treatment seeking behaviour among women everywhere. Given that October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month it's an occasion, to debunk fallacies and disseminate vital information that every woman should be aware of.

Myth 1: Just because there’s a history of breast cancer in the family, it's a thing for me to get it too. Fact: Having a family background of breast cancer could elevate the chances of developing the condition but does not guarantee its occurrence with certainty; just a small percentage (5- 10%) of breast cancers are inherited genetically while the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any family history of the disease. Nonetheless if there is a history of breast cancer, in your family it is crucial to undergo screenings.

Myth 2: One common misconception is that breast cancer only impacts females. Fact: It's a common fact that while breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also be affected by the disease. In fact, 1% of all cases of breast cancer are detected in men. Men possess breast tissue well and its crucial for them to seek advice if they observe any abnormal changes such, as lumps or discharge coming from the nipple.

Myth 3: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.Fact: There is no proven link between an X-ray of the breast (mammogram) and cancer that spreads. While no test is perfect at catching every cancer, mammograms are one of the best tools we have for finding breast cancer early before it has a chance to get out in any significant way that might hurt you. Discomfort was temporary and should not discourage women from having the screening, say researchers in BMJ Open.

Myth 4: I lead a healthy lifestyle, so therefore breast cancer is not something with which someone like me has to concern herself.Fact: Healthy living like exercising, eating well, and only drinking in moderation lower your risk for breast cancer but they are no guarantee from getting sick even if you do them all the time. Even with this limitation the possible development of breast cancer is highly likely, could be due to genetical or other non understanding factors.

Myth 5: Breast cancer always leads to us finding a lump on the breast Fact: Not all breast cancers are lumpy. Other possible symptoms are an alteration in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, skin changes like dimpling or redness. However, it is important to keep an eye on anything different happening with your breasts and see a doctor if needed.

Myth 6: That wearing a bra, especially an underwire bra can lead to breast cancer.Fact: There is no scientific evidence that bras or underwire bras leads to breast cancer. This myth is thought to have arisen because it was feared that the structured bra would impede lymphatic flow, but there are no studies confirming this. Although, you might be left a little empty after the fact for ever having worried about spiking your chances of your risk of breast cancer.

Myth 7: My family has no history of breast cancer, so I’m not at risk.Fact: Approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history it. Breast cancer risk is largely driven by age, genetics and lifestyle. That is why all women need to be proactive with breast cancer screening even if they do not have a family history.

Myth 8: A biopsy will lead to breast cancer spreading.Fact: This is a well-known myth. Biopsy removing a small piece of tissue for testing will not cause cancer to spread. In fact, the biopsy is an essential step to diagnose breast cancer and set appropriate treatment plan.

Myth 9: It has been noted before that breastfeeding fully protects against breast cancer.Fact: Although breastfeeding has been inoculated as a protective factor against breast cancer, one cannot be completely immune. Breastfeeding does not protect women from developing breast cancer thus the need to exercise self examination and screening.

It is now possible to take some action and safeguard your breast health. You have to disregard such myths and go for screening checks. It gives you the facts to act in a preventative way so that breast cancer is caught early and therefore possessions are substantially curtailed. Also remember, you should always report any changes you see in your breasts to your doctor immediately. It really important to diagnose it early enough so that it can be treated and the patient has a greater chance of survival.
(Author: Dr. Vidhi Shah, Consultant, Breast Onco Surgeon, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)