Common Myths About Breast Cancer

Whenever a condition or a disease is dreaded, it is bound to have many wrong beliefs associated with it. There are many common myths associated with breast cancer also, which are quite prevalent in most parts of the world. If is better if you are aware of these myths so that you do not fall a prey to them.

Myths vs Facts

Myths vs Facts

Common myths about Breast Cancer are enclosed here:

Sponsored Links
  1. Breast cancer can happen even if you never had breast cancer in the family. Seventy per cent of the cases never had breast cancer in the family.
  2. Wearing an underwire bra does not increase your chances of developing the breast cancer.
  3. It is true that breast lumps can mean a breast cancer. Nevertheless, just getting a lump on your breast does not mean that you are suffering from breast cancer. The lump can be due to many other reasons.
  4. Some women feel that breast implants can increase the chances of breast cancer. This is not at all true.
  5. The breast cancer can affect women with age. Looking at the statistics we would say thirty onwards. Below that age you may not develop the cancer easily.
  6. It is not true that using deodorants and perfumes increase the chances of breast cancer.
  7. A common myth is that women who have a small breast may have a low chance of developing breast cancer. The breast cancer has nothing to do with the size of the breast.
  8. Some women argue that as they don’t have a lump on their breasts there is no way possible that they have breast cancer. Well a lump is not the only sign of breast cancer. There are many other symptoms that you cannot overlook. We have discussed some of them in our article on how to recognise the symptoms of breast cancer.
  9. Some women belive that you cannot develop breast cancer after mastectomy. Well this is not true. The mastectomy may reduce the risk of developing the cancer but cannot remove it completely.
  10. Another popular myth that we would like to bust about breast cancer is if your father’s family had a history of breast cancer you stand an equal chance of developing the same.
  11. Caffeine is not a cause for breast cancer, so you can relax and have your cup of coffee. Some research actually proves that coffee can reduce the chance of developing cancer.
  12. Some women are of the opinion that if there is breast cancer in the family there is no point looking for the signs of breast cancer as they will definitely develop the cancer. Well this is not a valid point. You can take steps like quitting smoking, excessive drinking and other habits so that you do not trigger the cancer cells to spread faster.
  13. Lumpy breasts that are also called fibrocystic breasts have a high chance of developing breast cancer. Well this is not completely true. You have to be more careful in this case for the signs of breast cancer. However, this does not mean that you will get the breast cancer for sure.
  14. Mammograms are the only way you can check for the signs of breast cancer. Some women feel that too much of Mammograms may increase the chance of developing the breast cancer. This is not true. You must do at least two Mammograms a year once you cross the age of forty.
  15. Some women are afraid of needle biopsy as they belive that this will spread the cancer. This is not true at all.
  16. It is true that breast cancer is a killer in many parts of the world. It does not mean that you will die just because you have got breast cancer. The breast cancer can be cured completely and many women have survived it too. Just be positive and brave. Lung cancer is the biggest killer when it comes to the types of cancer.
  17. It is true that Mammogram is a good test to detect breast cancer. However, a positive report of Mammogram does not mean that you have breast cancer for sure. Similarly a negative Mammogram report does not mean that you do not have breast cancer.
  18. Some women say that hair straightening can be a cause for breast cancer. Well this is not true at all.
  19. A common myth that must be busted here is that many women feel that complete removal of the breast can be the best way to deal with the breast cancer. Leave it to the doctors. They will be able to guide you on what best must be done in order to deal with your case of breast cancer. There are being other treatments available other than the removal of the breast.
  20. Being overweight does increase your chances of getting breast cancer. Especially if you have gained the weight post menopause. This is exactly why you must try to always keep your weight under control.
  21. A common myth about breast cancer that often puts women in dilemma is that fertility treatment increases the chances of breast cancer. Well this is not true. Please get your fertility treatment done without any fear.
  22. Having an abortion does not increase your chances of developing the breast cancer at all. Please don’t even think on these lines.
  23. Breast cancer is not preventable as we do not know the exact causes of the cancer. However, you can reduce the chances of developing it by following the tips that we have discussed in our previous articles.
  24. If detected on time this cancer can be cured completely. Just that you must have the will power and the strength.

We have tried to cover most of the common myths about breast cancer. Do read this article and spread it among the women you know. The more awareness is spread the better we will be able to fight the breast cancer.

A little caution can ensure that we detect the breast cancer on time. A timely detection will also help you to fight the cancer better.

Author
  • dr-rajesh-tekchandani-photo
  • Dr Rajesh Tekchandani
  • My goal is that all people specially poor and needy people should get health facility free of cost and they must show faith in system. there must be awareness to control population . Safe birth and proper care of mother and child, total security. Specialties: can convince people at mass level, educate people for health in simple language and can present government health plan anywhere