There is a lot of misinformation out there resulting in common breast cancer myths. Therefore, it’s important to separate fact from fiction to help yourself and others who are facing this disease

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer

Here’s the truth: Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer.  But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast that is new or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. 

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it

Here’s The Truth: A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer nor does it spread it. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

Myth: Breast cancer is contagious

Here’s The Truth: You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. 

However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and hev an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer

Here’s The Truth: Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants.

MYTH: Women without a family history of breast cancer are not at risk.
TRUTH: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no close relatives with this disease. Regardless of family history, discuss mammography guidelines and schedule regular screenings with your health provider.

*The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.

MYTH: Only women get breast cancer.
TRUTH: Breast cancer occurs primarily in women, but occasionally in men. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue, and that it’s possible for them to develop breast cancer.

MYTH: Having silicone breast implants increases your chance of breast cancer.
TRUTH: Silicone breast implants can cause formation of scar tissue in the breast, but several studies have found that they do not increase breast cancer risk.

Unless people experience breast cancer in their own lives, or they’re close to someone who does, they might not be able to separate myth from fact when it comes to this disease: who gets it and why, for example, or what treatment involves. 

In fact, many of our respondents admitted that they too bought into these myths until their own diagnosis!