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Myth: You won’t develop breast cancer unless it runs in your family’
Two thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. The risk may increase for women whose family history includes multiple close relatives with breast cancer.
Myth: If you carry the BRCA gene, you’ll get breast cancer’
Everyone has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which help with cell growth, division and repairing DNA damage. Testing positive for the mutations does not mean you will develop cancer and vice versa.
Myth: Antiperspirants, underwire brassieres, dairy products, cell phone use cause breast cancer’
There’s no scientific evidence linking brassiere type, size of breast, cell phone use or dairy products consumption to an elevated risk for breast cancer. It has been linked to lifestyle. Exercise regularly and limit alcohol intake.
Myth: People with breast cancer always find a lump’
Most lumps in the breast are not cancer, and not everyone with cancer can feel a lump.
Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer’
Mammogram remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. It does not cause cancer or facilitate spread.
Myth: Breast implants can raise your cancer risk’
Women with breast implants are at no greater risk of getting breast cancer than women without them.
Breast implants may make it harder to read mammograms.
Myth: Men can’t get breast cancer’
Although less common, breast cancer is diagnosed in about one per cent of all new cases.
Myth: Breast cancer is contagious’
You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body.
Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
Injuries to the breast do not cause breast cancer By understanding the facts and dispelling common myths, we can make informed decisions about our health and support those affected by cancer. Early detection, timely treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach to care are key to improving cancer outcomes.
Conclusion
Cancer is a complex disease, but with advancements in research and treatment, the outlook for many individuals is improving. By dispelling common myths and embracing the real science, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health, seek timely treatment, and support those affected by this disease.
References:
1. The truth behind & common breast cancer myths Internet) Aetna.com. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 18). Available from: https://www.aetna.com/health guide/breast cancer myths.html
2. Shockney L. Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it Internet). National Breast Cancer Foundation 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 18). Available from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast cancer myths/a-mammogram-can-cause-breast cancer-to-spread/
3. Clinics, CION Cancer. “Cancer Hospitals in India. Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad.” Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad, India CION Cancer Clinics, www.cioncancerclinics.com/five-steps-of-self-breast-examination. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024
4. Sava J. Targeted Therapies Deliver Hope in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer (Internet). Targeted Oncology. Targeted Oncology, 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 18). Available from: https://www.targetedonc.com/view/targeted therapies deliver hope-in-her2-positive-breast-cancer
Approval ID: EM-10070 Approval Date: 11/09/2025 Expiry Date: 11/09/2027
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness of the people and should not be construed as treatment advise. Please consult your doctor in case you have any symptoms or require further information/clarification. This public awareness initiative is supported by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited