Breast Cancer Myths: Busted!

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women. Sadly, it is frequently aggressive and has a high mortality rate. Breasts are sensitive organs but our cultural fads prevent academic discussion of breast-related problems. With the rising awareness of breast cancer among the general public, there is also a rise in myths regarding breast cancer. This has led to many false beliefs that are a source of great worry and psychological distress in the patient. They can also be a source of delay in seeking medical help. While it is important to remain educated and well-informed regarding your health, it is more important to have all the correct facts to avoid any unnecessary stress. We have taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of the most common myths surrounding breast cancer and provide expert-reviewed medical explanations for each one of them. 

Myth 1: Only Women Get Breast Cancer

Many people think that only women get breast cancer. This can not be further from the truth. Women are indeed more prone to developing breast cancer due to fluctuating hormonal influence on the breasts but men can also get breast cancer. According to recent statistics, men's breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. So while Breast cancer in men is a rare disease, there is an average risk of 1 in 100 men developing breast cancer. For comparison, the average risk for women developing breast cancer is 1 in 8. 

Due to these widespread myths, many men don't know they can get breast cancer and any abnormal changes in their breasts may go unnoticed. This will often lead to late detection of breast cancer in men and the late delay in diagnosis along with the advanced stage of cancer can lead to a high mortality rate. 

Myth 2: Mastectomy is Mandatory for Breast Cancer Patients

While mastectomy is one of the treatments for breast cancer, it is not always mandatory. There are different treatment plans for the various different types and stages of breast cancer and patients are involved in their treatment plans at all stages. The main reason for this belief is that if you have no close relatives with breast cancer or personal experience with the disease, you have no reason to search for different kinds of treatments. Aside from that, the media is the main educator on these topics. The most common form of breast cancer treatment shown in our media is mastectomy which causes fear and anxiety in patients who get diagnosed with breast cancer. However, there is a range of treatments for breast cancer including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, lumpectomy, and mastectomy with a personalized treatment plan, tailored to each individual patient, their needs, and their preferences.

Myth 3: Breast Lumps Mean Cancer

There is a widespread belief that breast lumps no matter how small or how large are indications of breast cancer. This is not always the case. According to recent stats, 80% of breast lumps without any other symptoms aren't cancerous. Although it is recommended to get your breast lump checked as soon as possible at a medical facility, most of the time they are not cancerous. Breast lumps can form due to hormonal imbalance in the body, around the menstrual cycle, due to direct trauma to the breast, or the formation of a cyst in the breast. A breast lump shouldn't cause unnecessary distress. If you feel a breast lump, a screening test for breast cancer such as a mammogram will provide a more clear answer. 

Myth 4: The Children of Breast Cancer Patients Will Get the Cancer Too

This is a common myth among breast cancer patients. They are worried if it is genetic and if it can affect future generations. The basis for this myth is a strong familial factor in the risk of breast cancer. It means if you have a family history of breast cancer from a first degree relative such as biological parents or siblings, you are at a higher risk of breast cancer. It does not mean you will get breast cancer. Many people with strong family history do not get breast cancer, however, due to the higher risk, it is recommended by doctors to get a routine screening test to detect any abnormal changes in the breast at an early stage. Sometimes, Doctors also recommend gene analysis to detect if you have inherited the high-risk gene mutation for breast cancer. 

Myth 5: Chemotherapy is a Must for Breast Cancer Patients

All breast cancers are different. There is a different treatment plan for each patient according to the type and extent of their cancer. While chemotherapy is one of the treatments for breast cancer, it is not always necessary. Some cancers are chemosensitive and respond well to chemotherapy, some cancers are not. This is why doctors will carefully select this course of treatment. Chemotherapy is a painful process, physically, and its cancer-fighting properties come with many side effects. This is why patients are informed about the recommendation and consequences of chemotherapy before they can make a decision about their disease. 

Conclusion

There are many myths surrounding breast cancer. In this era of technology, it is important to stay ahead of any misinformation and ensure you have the correct facts and knowledge.