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Breast cancer is a common yet severe condition affecting millions worldwide. Studies have identified breast cancer as the second most common cause of death in women. In recent decades, India has been witnessing a constant increase in the incidence and prevalence of breast cancer. Several internal and external factors can cause breast cancer. Progressing age, family history, female reproductive system-related factors such as the early onset of menarche, late age at childbirth, delayed menopause, and certain genetic mutations are some of the internal factors, whereas, exposure to ionisation radiation, smoking, etc., are the environmental or external factors.
Although breast cancer has become extremely common recently, there is a lack of awareness about the condition and several myths are rampant about the condition. Empowering yourself with proper knowledge enables you to make wise decisions about your health. In this blog, we attempt to break down some widespread misconceptions regarding breast cancer. Understanding breast cancer myths and facts will raise awareness and prevent it in the long run. Read the article, carefully crafted by the top surgical oncologist in Sarjapur.
Debunking the Myths About Breast Cancer
Myth 1: No one in my family has breast cancer, so I am not at risk of getting it
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Fact: Among the most widely held beliefs is that a person is unlikely to develop breast cancer because no family members have previously been affected. Meanwhile, statistics indicate that most breast cancer patients have no family history.
Myth 2: Underwire bras, applying underarm deodorant, and using telephones can all contribute to breast cancer
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Fact: There has been no proof that bras, underarm antiperspirants, or cell phones trigger breast cancer. Most likely, the myth resulted from information that was misunderstood or misinterpreted. Numerous studies have disproved the hypothesis that using cell phones, wearing underwired bras, and using underarm deodorant all raise the risk of breast cancer.
Myth 3: I exercise regularly, eat healthily, don’t smoke, limit alcohol and have
maintained a perfect weight; hence I don’t have to worry about breast cancer.
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Fact: Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the critical components of being healthy. Although these actions reduce the risk of breast cancer, they cannot wholly prevent it. External causes like hormonal effects and genetic susceptibility bring on the majority of breast cancers.
Myth 4: Breast cancer is brought on by excessive sugar intake, and consuming organic foods can prevent cancer
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Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that sugar in the diet promotes breast cancer, high sugar consumption is a risk factor for other lifestyle diseases.
Myth 5: Breast cancer is a contagious disease
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Fact: Cancer of any form or type is not contagious and develops in the body due to genetic changes that do not spread from one person to another.
Myth 6: Men never get breast cancer; it only affects women over 40
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Fact: Men can develop breast cancer, even though incidences are more common in women over 40 and pregnant women.
Myth 7: Breast cancer always results in a palpable lump; therefore, discovering one indicates the presence of the disease
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Fact: Most breast lumps are non-cancerous due to the effects of hormones on the breast, and breast cancer may not cause a lump, mainly when it first develops. Instead of relying merely on the existence or absence of a lump, it is crucial to be watchful for changes in breast tissue, such as dimpling, nipple discharge, or skin abnormalities.
Myth 8: Early-stage breast cancer rarely recurs
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Fact: Even with early-stage breast cancer, there is always some risk the cancer will return and thus a regular follow-up after treatment is necessary.
Myth 9: All breast cancers need chemotherapy or complete breast removal
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Fact: Based on several factors, including the stage of the disease and the patient's preferences, treatment plans for breast cancer differ significantly from patient to patient. There are also options for breast-conserving surgeries, in which the breast is preserved while just the tumour is removed. Visit the best surgical oncology hospital in Bangalore to get expert advice on the subject.
FAQs
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Do good lifestyle choices help me avoid breast cancer?
Being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount to keep many diseases at bay. Nonetheless, while these activities may lessen the risk of breast cancer, they cannot eliminate it.
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Is breast cancer solely inherited?
While some DNA abnormalities, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increase the risk, the majority of breast cancer cases occur in individuals who have no family history of the disease; other factors, such as age, gender, hormonal influences, and lifestyle choices, contribute to the development of breast cancer.
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Are all breast lumps a sign of breast cancer?
No, not all breast lumps indicate breast cancer. Many breast lumps are benign and can be caused by hormonal changes, cysts, or other non-cancerous conditions.
