Breast Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. In 2022 alone, over 2.3 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 670,000 people died from this disease worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Since breast cancer is so common, there are many misconceptions out there that can prevent patients from receiving a diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the early stages. We will go over the main myths about breast cancer below.

If you are a policyholder or spouse with PALIG health insurance and have yet to have a mammogram in the last year, you can do so at no cost with selected providers in certain countries. This campaign has just begun and runs until December 31, 2024. Check here for the list of providers and more details depending on your country of residence.

Can only women get breast cancer?

This is perhaps one of the most common myths about breast cancer. Many specialists emphasize that men also have breasts, so they can also get breast cancer.

Though their chance of getting it is much lower, men are thought to represent between 0.5 and 1% of breast cancer cases. However, men should still be on the lookout for any changes in their breasts, such as lumps, thickening, skin and nipple changes, and discharge.

Does breast cancer only affect older adults?

This is another widespread myth that is untrue. Although the risk of breast cancer increases as we get older, and the average age of a new diagnosis is 61 years, cases have also been reported in women under age 40. Some sources say that women under 40 make up 5% of total cases.

That is why all young and adult women should have yearly mammograms and contact their doctors about any concerning findings in their breasts.

Am I at risk of developing breast cancer if I don’t have a family history of it?

Many experts agree that only 5 to 10% of breast cancers are caused by a genetic mutation transmitted among family members. In other words, most cases occur randomly and do not have a hereditary cause. Therefore, not having a family history of breast cancer is not a guarantee that you will not get it.

Health professionals stress that the most important risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman.

Can an injury to the breast cause breast cancer?

An injury to the breast can often cause symptoms that are confused with breast cancer. However, an injury to the breast cannot cause breast cancer. You should visit your doctor to alleviate any concerns.

Do all lumps in the breast indicate breast cancer?

Any new lump that is found in the breast should be evaluated. However, most are usually benign. The chance of a lump being harmless is even higher if you have had a recent mammogram that came back normal.

Does there have to be a lump for there to be breast cancer?

This is not true. Some breast cancers are never felt but can still spread to other parts of the body. What’s more, if only lumps indicated breast cancer, mammograms wouldn’t be necessary.

Specialists stress that you do not have to “feel something” to decide to have a checkup. If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated in stage 1, the chance of survival is nearly 100%. That is why it is important to have yearly mammograms.

Can mammograms cause breast cancer to spread?

No. Some people believe that compressing the breasts during a mammogram or having a needle biopsy can cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body, but this is not true.

Researchers explain that mammograms are done with very low doses of radiation and compression that have no theoretical or documented relationship to developing breast cancer.

Can wearing underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer?

No. Wearing underwire bras cannot increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, some experts recommend avoiding this type of bra, as the wire can irritate the skin under the breast and cause pain and even infection.

Do nipple piercings increase the risk of breast cancer?

This is not true. Although nipple piercings can cause some complications (such as infection, nerve damage, cysts, and abscesses), there is no evidence to show that they can cause breast cancer.

Does sugar cause breast cancer?

There is a widespread myth that excessive and chronic sugar consumption can encourage tumors to grow, as cancer cells need a lot of energy to divide rapidly.

The truth is that there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. However, health professionals recommend avoiding or limiting sugar consumption (added sugars or sugars in processed foods), as it increases the risk of other problems, such as heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes.

Remember:

In recent years, major advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. This success is due in large part to the combination of early detection and effective therapies with surgery, radiation therapy, and medications. To help reduce the risk of breast cancer or detect it in its early stages, you should:

Ask your doctor about screening tests for breast cancer.
Familiarize yourself with your breasts during a self‑exam so that you are aware of your breasts.
Do not drink alcohol, or only do so in moderation.
Exercise regularly.
If applicable, limit postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Sources: National Library of Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Mayo Clinic; Johns Hopkins Medicine; World Health Organization (WHO); American Cancer Society.