Ten myths about breast cancer

It is true that the push-up bra can cause breast cancer? What about the glass of wine that you just ordered? The hormonal treatment maybe? And after all, how could you know before it is too late?

With all the rumors and controversies that are surrounding the breast cancer – what it provokes, as diagnosis and how you treat it – we do not know anymore what to do or what to think. One thing is certain: the ability to separate truth from fiction could make the difference between life and death.

Myth 1: A risk factor of breast cancer does not mean that you will develop the disease.

No risk factor alone or in combination with others does not mean that you will definitely develop breast cancer. Certainly, if there are present many factors, the risk is higher but despite this predisposition, it is possible that you will never develop this form of cancer.

Myth 2: If there is no history of breast cancer in your family, there is no risk.

A woman presents a risk and even some men. For any woman, an inherited abnormality is the strongest risk factor, but only 10% of the breast cancer cases are due to heredity. Approximately 85% of the patients with breast cancer have no family history, so it’s important for all women to be regularly examined.



Myth 3: Breast cancer is passed only from the mother, not from the father too.

Now it is known that breast cancer genes can be transmitted also from the father, so it would be better to ask your relatives from both sides of the family, if there is any history for this disease. If there exists in the family a man who had breast cancer, tell the doctor.

Myth 4: Regardless of the risk factor, you don’t have reasons to worry until menopause.

The chances to develop this disease, increases once with age but breast cancer can occur at any age. Therefore, all women must be vigilant.

Myth 5: Wearing a bra or the use of antiperspirants and deodorants increases the risk to develop breast cancer.

These are only rumors. There is no evidence that bras, antiperspirants or deodorants could cause cancer, by limiting the lymphatic circulation or not leaving the skin to sweat.

Myth 6: If you have small breasts, have less chance to develop breast cancer.

Size does not matter!

Any woman who has breasts can develop cancer.

Myth 7: The hormone treatment – even on a short period – causes breast cancer.

Many women become concerned when in a study were found that combining the estrogen with progesterone increases slightly the risk of an invasive breast cancer. Another study showed that the combined treatment increases the risk of developing cancer, however, all this had offer also a reason for silence: the risk seems to return to normality at 6 months after the women stopped the hormone therapy. This happens to the women who have used this treatment only for few months and also for those who have used it for more than 5 years.



Myth 8: Eating fatty foods will increase the risk

Most studies who had as a sample the women from United States, did not find a strong connection between fat consumption and the risk of breast cancer.

Myth 9: Mammograms can prevent cancer risk.

Although the mammograms can detect breast cancer, they can’t prevent it.

Myth 10: Some studies prove that mammograms have no value.

Studies contradict other studies. It’s better to search the radiological centers who are dealing with most of the cases of breast cancer