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Myths and Facts About Breast Cancer You Need to Know

myths-and-facts-about-breast-cancer-you-need-to-know
myths-and-facts-about-breast-cancer-you-need-to-know

Breast‍‌‍‍‌ cancer is among the top problems that affect women’s health globally, however, it is surrounded by myths that do more harm than good. The misconceptions such as the underwire bras or deodorants, can cause cancer, and the assumption that only women with a family history are at risk, can delay the cancer detection in its early stages.

At Sarvesh Health City, the best breast cancer hospital in Hisar, specialists emphasizes the necessity of being alert, and getting the screening done on time. In our article we will clarify misconceptions associated with breast cancer and provide correct information for prevention, early diagnosis, and the right ‍‌‍‍‌care.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 1: One of the main causes of breast cancer is the use of underwire bras

Fact: To date, no scientific research has been able to prove such a thing. In a study of more than 1,500 women, no correlation was found between the types of bra or the use of underwire and the risk of breast cancer.

Some people say that underwire bras block the lymph that is why cancer cells accumulate, but this explanation has already been refuted. The lymphatic flow is not hindered by a bra. Besides that, hurting because of tightly worn clothes doesn’t mean that you will get cancer.

They have the right to wear underwire bras as long as they are not in the process of healing after an operation or their doctor has not given them another ‍‌‍‍‌instruction.

Myth 2: Antiperspirants and Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer

Fact: One of the most common misconceptions is that antiperspirants that contain aluminum or parabens cause breast cancer. This idea has been around for a long time, but there is no scientific evidence supporting it. Detoxing through the body is not done via sweating from the glands in the armpits. Antiperspirants are just blocking the sweat for a short period of time and thus they do not have any effect on lymph nodes or cause the accumulation of ‍‌‍‍‌toxins.

Myth 3: Breast Cancer Is Only a Woman’s Disease

Fact: Yes, the vast majority of breast cancer cases are in women, but men can also develop the disease, making up approximately 1% of cases annually.

Mutations in genes, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2, can raise the risk for both men and women. If a man has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, it is advisable that he talks with his doctor about genetic testing and getting ‍‌‍‍‌screened.

Myth 4: A Family History Guarantees You’ll Develop Breast Cancer

Fact: A family history certainly raises the risk, but it does not make it a definite. In fact, only around 10–15% of breast cancer cases can be traced back to gene mutations that are passed down, like BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2.

Most breast cancer patients have not reported any close relatives with the disease. A person’s lifestyle, the surroundings they are in, and the natural process of aging, are the major risk factors of getting breast cancer besides the genetic predisposition.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 5: Breast Cancer Is Only Diagnosed in Older Women

Fact: Age is a factor that elevates the risk, most cases are after 50. However, women in their twenties, thirties, and forties can also be afflicted. In fact, it is quite alarming that the latest statistics indicate a continuous increase of breast cancer cases in women under 50.

Infact, young patients are likely to have more aggressive cancer types and may also be found in the later stages of the disease, which is partly due to low screening awareness. Consequently, this provides an unmistakable signal that performing self-examinations regularly and seeking the doctor’s advice at the earliest, even in a younger age group, is of utmost ‍‌‍‍‌importance.

Myth 6: Breast Cancer Always Presents as a Lump

Truth: To feel a lump is not always the case in breast cancer. i.e. Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) for instance, typically starts with redness, swelling, or skin becoming thicker rather than a lump.

Also, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, itching, or a sudden change in breast size or color may be some of the symptoms. Breast cancer is silent in most cases, thus it is very important to undergo routine mammograms for early detection and successful ‍‌‍‍‌treatment.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 7: Mammograms Are Harmful Because of Radiation

Truth: It is true that mammograms expose a person to radiation but only in a very small amount and the advantages are way more than the risks. The radiation dose is very small and is under strict regulation, thus, mammograms are considered safe and reliable for early detection of cancer.

Regular mammograms every year or every two years are highly advised for women of 40 years old and above. Survival rate for cancer patients is greatly increased through early detection by screening which also makes a this procedure ‍‌‍‍‌necessary.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 8: Breast Pain Is a Symptom of Cancer

Fact: Pain is almost never a symptom of breast cancer. Generally, breast cancers do not cause pain, particularly in the early stages. Some of the pain could be due to hormonal changes, cysts, or even an infection.

Still, a new or continuous symptom of any kind, being pain, swelling, or a change in the nipple color or shape, should definitely be looked at by a doctor to be sure that it is not a serious ‍‌‍‍‌condition.

Final Thoughts

One‍‌‍‍‌ of the main points of breast cancer awareness is to provide accurate information. Myths and misconceptions about the disease may cause the symptoms to be hidden for a long time, prevent people from going to doctors and create unnecessary fear. Knowing risk factors for breast cancer and understanding what symptoms to look for can save a lot of lives.

As a breast cancer awareness campaign, Sarvesh Health City, the best breast cancer hospital in Hisar empowers people to become a part of the solution and take the necessary steps for their health in advance. Never forget that knowledge and early detection are still the most powerful weapons against breast ‍‌‍‍‌cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can men develop breast cancer?

Ans.  Yes. The occurrence of male breast cancer is extremely limited but not impossible. It is more likely if a man carries genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 or if there is a history of breast cancer in his family.

Q2. How often should women get a mammogram?

Ans. Any woman of 40 years or more should undertake mammography at least once in two years or annually depending on her risk factor and doctor’s advice.

Q3. Does diet affect breast cancer risk?

Ans. Eating a diet consisting of more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains definitely helps cancer prevention. In addition to that, drinking less alcohol, keeping a normal weight, and exercising regularly are just as important.

Q4. Are all breast lumps cancerous?

Ans. No. The majority of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), nevertheless, it is vital to have a doctor check a lump for correct diagnosis.

Q5. Is breast cancer preventable?

Ans. It is not possible to prevent breast cancer entirely, however, one can decrease risk through good lifestyle practices, periodic screenings, and early detection ‍‌‍‍‌methods.

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