BREAST CANCER MYTHS

MYTH: Finding a lump means you have breast cancer.

FACT: Only a small percentage of lumps are actually breast cancer. Most lumps are felt with hormonal changes and shouldn’t be of concern.

 

MYTH: Using antiperspirant causes cancer.

FACT: There is no scientific evidence linking breast cancer to deodorants and antiperspirants. However, some studies have found that women who use aluminum products under their arms are more likely to have higher concentrations of aluminum in breast tissue.

 

MYTH: I won’t get breast cancer if I don’t have a family history of it.

FACT: 90-95% of those diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer.

 

MYTH: Men do not get breast cancer.

FACT: 2,400 male breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually. Anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer.

 

MYTH: Mammograms can cause cancer to form or spread.

FACT: Mammograms emit a very small dose of radiation, and the benefits of early detection far exceed any associated risks. 

 

MYTH: Breast cancer always causes a lump you can feel.

FACT: Not all breast cancers cause a lump and can not always be felt.

 

MYTH: All breast cancer is treated the same way.

FACT: Each person’s treatment plan is different and is based on the patient and the diagnosis.

 

MYTH: You can’t get a mammogram screening if you have breast implants.

FACT: Mammograms are still recommended, even if you have breast implants. Most breast implants are designed to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure and it is unlikely for them to rupture. However, implants can obscure findings on images so it is important to inform your technologist of implants as they know how to work around this by moving the implant and taking more images.