You’ll find lots of “Myths” and “Fact”
By Deborah Jeanne Post
Whether you heard them from your auntie or “Dr. Google,” breast cancer myths abound.
“When it comes to breast cancer screening, there is a lot of misinformation,” said physician Stamatia Destounis, at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care. “As a breast radiologist, I hear comments and misconceptions about mammograms that can cause women anxiety and to delay or avoid their screening exams altogether. The truth is that mammography remains one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment options are often less invasive and outcomes are generally better.”
Breast pain means breast cancer.
“Occasionally, pain can mean cancer,” Galton said. “But not always.”
Annual screening mammograms are only important if I have a family history of breast cancer.
“Many women are surprised to learn that more than 70% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease,” said physician Stamatia Destounis, at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care. “While family history is an important risk factor, it is a relatively small piece of the puzzle. Women who are at higher risk because of personal or family history, certain genetic mutations or previous precancerous biopsy results may benefit from additional screening tests such as breast MRI, screening ultrasound or genetic counseling.
“However, the absence of risk factors should never be a reason to skip routine breast cancer screening. In fact, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known inherited genetic mutation and no significant family history. Annual screening mammography remains the most important part of preventive breast care for all women, regardless of family history.”
Women in their 40s shouldn’t have mammograms because of high number of false alarms and call backs.
“A false alarm or false positive occurs when an area appears suspicious on a screening mammogram but is ultimately found to be normal after additional imaging or testing. Being called back for additional images can understandably cause anxiety, but it’s important to understand what those callbacks mean,” Destounis said. “Most women who return for additional testing do not have breast cancer.
“Additional evaluation may include extra mammogram views, a breast ultrasound and occasionally, a minimally invasive biopsy. Most screening mammograms are normal. However, when something requires a closer look, additional imaging allows radiologists to gather more information before determining whether a finding is truly concerning.
“While false positives are a recognized part of breast cancer screening, they must be weighed against the benefit of detecting cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Breast cancer does occur in women in their 40s and screening during this decade can help identify cancers before symptoms develop.”
Mammograms don’t work well for women with dense breasts.
“Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast,” Destounis explained. “Dense breast tissue is common and breast radiologists identify in close to 50% of women screened and is not abnormal. Because dense tissue and breast cancer both appear white on a mammogram, cancers can sometimes be more difficult to identify in dense breasts. Fortunately, advances in breast imaging have improved our ability to detect cancer in these patients.
“Today, digital breast tomosynthesis allows radiologists to evaluate breast tissue in thin layers, reducing the problem of overlapping tissue and improving cancer detection. The X-ray beam moves in an arc over the patient’s breast creating a semi 3D image.
“For some women with dense breasts, supplemental screening such as breast ultrasound, breast MRI or contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) may also be recommended based on their individual risk factors. It’s important to remember that mammography remains the best tool for detecting certain early-stage breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which often cannot be detected by physical examination or ultrasound alone. Having dense breast tissue does not mean mammograms are ineffective. Instead, it means you should discuss with your healthcare provider whether additional screening options may be appropriate for you.”
A lump in the breast is the only sign of breast cancer.
“A breast lump is one potential sign of breast cancer, but it is not the only one,” said physician Kelly Krupa, medical director of breast surgery with Rochester Regional Health. “Other changes can include skin dimpling, redness or swelling, changes in the nipple or nipple discharge. Knowing what is normal for your breasts and talking with a health care provider about any new or unusual changes is important.”
Breast cancer is a death sentence.
Even with metastatic cancer, we treat it like a chronic disease, like diabetes,” Galton said. “It is a trauma as it changes a lot of things within families and workplaces. You can work through it and have a great team behind you.”
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer..
“There is no strong scientific evidence linking the use of antiperspirants or deodorants to an increased risk of breast cancer,” Krupa said. “These products are not considered a known risk factor for breast cancer.”
The radiation from a mammogram is harmful..
“Mammograms use a very small amount of radiation and the radiation exposure from a routine screening mammogram is considered very low,” Krupa said. “For most people, the benefits of regular breast cancer screening far outweigh the potential risks associated with this small amount of radiation. As one comparison, the radiation dose from a mammogram is similar to the natural radiation exposure experienced during a flight across the country.”
Only women can develop breast cancer.
“Anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer,” Krupa said. “While breast cancer in men is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, men can develop the disease as well. It’s important for everyone to be aware of changes in their breast tissue and talk with a health care provider if something seems unusual.”
Wearing underwire bras causes breast cancer.
“That was debunked years ago; there’s no evidence,” said Kristina Galton, nurse practitioner with Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta.
Eating sugar causes breast cancer.
“Eating it doesn’t directly cause breast cancer but can promote other risks like obesity,” Galton said. “Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants which help fight cancer. Eat a colorful plate with whole foods to promote good health.”