Breast Cancer Myths

  • Not every lump in the breast is cancer.

Fact: Only a small percentage of breast lumps are diagnosed to be cancer.

  • Only if you have a family history will you develop breast cancer.

Fact: Genetic factors are estimated to cause only 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases.

  • Men do not get breast cancer.

Fact: 1% of breast cancer occurs in men.

  • Breast cancer is contagious.

Fact: No its definitely not.

  • Mammogram can prevent cancer.

Fact: Mammogram will help in early detection of cancer.

  • Wearing a bra (tight/underwired) increases the risk of cancer.

Fact: Wearing a bra and type of bra does not effect cancer rate.

  • Removing the entire breast (mastectomy) is better than just removing the cancer (lumpectomy) and having radiation treatment, in terms of survival.

Fact: Discuss with your doctor the various options available to you.

  • Presence BRCA1and BRCA2 gene mutation does not mean you have to develop cancer.

Fact: The chances of developing cancer is much higher in the presence of this mutation but not 100%. Talk to your doctor about risk reducing measures.

  • Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

Fact: Researchers do not have any conclusive evidence for this.

  • Having an breast implant increases the risk of cancer. 

Fact: Implants do not increase the risk of cancer, however more mammogram views may be required to examine the breast.

Next Article:- Time to lose weight: Obesity a modifiable risk factor in Breast Cancer

Published by Dhyan

Working hard or hardly working?

Discover more from Dr Poovamma CU

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading