By: Kshiti Sushil Mukundappanavar
Abstract
In the U.S., approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime (Shockney), and tragically, 1 in 40 of those diagnosed will lose their lives to the disease (American Cancer Society). This makes breast cancer one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally. Despite breast cancer being so common, there is still a lot of misinformation and many misconceptions surrounding the disease that can lead to confusion, unnecessary fear, or even delayed treatment. Debunking these myths can help develop a better understanding of the reality of breast cancer and the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to prevention, detection, and care.
1.0 Only Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Are at Risk
The probability of obtaining breast cancer is twice as high for a woman with close first-degree relatives that have been diagnosed with breast cancer such as a mother or sister; however this does not mean that genetic history is the only cause of the cancer (Cancer Research UK). Many women believe that if a history of breast cancer is not present then they are safe from the disease however this is far from the truth as about 85% of breast cancer cases involve women with little to no genetic history with the disease (BreastCancer.Org).
1.1 Main causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer arises as the growth of cancer cells in the breast tissue of one or both breasts and can arise due to a plethora of different reasons. Researchers have been able to narrow down the main factors that can increase the risks of obtaining breast cancer such as the environment, lifestyle choices, hormones and genetics but the exact cause of breast cancer still remains unknown (BreastCancer.org). Although even those considered low-risk can still develop breast cancer, it's crucial to understand the key factors that can significantly increase an individual’s risk. Like most cancers, a prolonged exposure to radiation can cause mutations due to alteration in the DNA of certain cells which lead to the development of cancer cells. Many women also believe that larger breast sizes can increase one's chances of getting breast cancer, this is not true as there is no relation between breast size and cancer. Breast density on the other hand can increase the risk of breast cancer. Additionally many other health-related factors such as drinking alcohol, obesity, having a previous history with breast cancer or any other breast related health issues and getting your period very early on in life, which includes any age before 12, or getting menopause at a very late age, any age after roughly 55 have all been seen as attributing factors for breast cancer (Mayo Clinic).
2.0 Breast Cancer Always Causes a Lump You Can Feel
Breast cancer can come in many different forms and variants such as Angiosarcoma, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), Inflammatory breast cancer and Invasive lobular carcinoma and each of which can show a variety of different symptoms making breast cancer different for all women. Many believe that breast cancer always presents as a noticeable lump in the breast. While a lump is a common symptom, it's not the only one, and sometimes breast cancer can develop without causing any detectable lumps at all. This misconception can lead to delayed diagnoses, as women may rely solely on self-examinations instead of seeking medical advice for other signs (National Breast Cancer Foundation).
2.1 Symptoms of Breast Cancer for Early Detection
In addition to lumps, breast cancer can manifest through various symptoms such as changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, redness or scaling on the breast or nipple, and nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk. These symptoms occur because breast cancer can affect both the breast tissue and the surrounding skin, causing inflammation or structural changes. Breast cancer may also cause the nipple to turn inward or become sore. Inflammatory breast cancer, for example, often doesn’t form a lump but leads to redness and swelling of the breast, mimicking an infection (National Cancer Institute). Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to all potential symptoms and not just rely on the presence of a lump for early detection.
Anam, Jay R. “Stage 2 Breast Cancer | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & More.” Breast Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai | Breast Clinic - Dr. Jay Anam, 22 Feb. 2022, drjayanam.com/blogs/is-stage-2-breast-cancer-curable/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
3.0 Eating Sugar can cause Breast Cancer
A variety of everyday behaviours and products have been falsely linked to breast cancer, causing unnecessary fear. For example, consuming sugar has been widely thought to fuel cancer growth. While cancer cells do use sugar (glucose) as a source of energy, just like all other cells in the body, there is no direct evidence that eating sugar causes breast cancer (American Cancer Society). Maintaining a balanced diet is important, but cutting out sugar alone does not prevent cancer.
3.1 Bras can cause Breast Cancer
Another myth is that carrying your phone in your bra or wearing a bra, particularly underwire bras, can cause breast cancer. These claims have been debunked, as no scientific studies have shown a link between bras or cell phones and breast cancer development (National Cancer Institute). The idea stems from the misconception that radiation from phones or pressure from bras causes harmful changes in breast tissue, but there’s no evidence supporting this.
3.2 Antiperspirants and Deodorants can cause Breast Cancer
Similarly, antiperspirants and deodorants are often believed to contribute to breast cancer due to chemicals like aluminium, which are thought to block toxins from being released through sweat. However, there is no conclusive research connecting the use of these products with breast cancer (Mayo Clinic). The exact causes of breast cancer remain complex and multifactorial, primarily involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors rather than these everyday products or behaviours.
In conclusion, although researchers are not able to identify exactly what can cause breast cancer due to its complexity, over the years they have been able to significantly reduce the fatalities caused by the disease and increase the number of different detection tools to help identify the cancer early on and prevent its harmful effects. Hence it is important to keep up with regular check-ups and mammograms as even those with the healthiest lifestyles could be impacted.
Works Cited
American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 12 Jan. 2023, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Anam, Jay R. “Stage 2 Breast Cancer | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & More.” Breast Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai | Breast Clinic - Dr. Jay Anam, 22 Feb. 2022, drjayanam.com/blogs/is-stage-2-breast-cancer-curable/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
BreastCancer.org. “Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics.” Www.breastcancer.org, 10 Mar. 2022, www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
BreastCancer.org. “Concerned about My Breast Cancer Risk.” Breastcancer.org, 2024, www.breastcancer.org/about-you/concerned-about-risk?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1NK4BhAwEiwAVUHPUGQyK0CW8pOiBa0tzMJNFhmDdwShEUFdOm9lJR5VWWj6KSZSNT3nDBoCWrEQAvD_BwE. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Cancer Research UK. “Family History of Breast Cancer and Inherited Genes.” Cancerresearchuk.org, 26 Feb. 2024, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/risks-causes/family-history-and-inherited-genes/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Mayo Clinic. “Breast Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 10 Feb. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
National Breast Cancer Foundation. “National Breast Cancer Foundation.” National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2019, www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Shockney, Lillie. “Breast Cancer Facts & Statistics for 2022.” National Breast Cancer Foundation, June 2023, www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
Comments