Myths Associated With Breast Cancer!

There are a number of myths associated with breast cancer, most commonly about how it spreads and who gets it. Breast cancer is one of the most widely discussed cancers, and it is comparatively easy to debunk the myths surrounding it.

So, let’s get straight to the myths and refute them one by one. 

Myth: 1
Women don’t suffer from breast cancer if they don’t have a family history of this disease.
Fact
Most of the patients of breast cancer don’t have a family history of breast cancer. In fact, in most cases, inheritance does not play any part in getting this disease. Inheritance plays a role in about 5–10% of breast cancer cases only. In such cases, abnormal changes in specific genes, which have been passed on from parents, may be responsible for breast cancer. This suggests that more than heredity, there are other factors like lifestyle, environment, etc., which are at play.

Myth: 2
Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and limited intake of alcohol can eliminate the chances of breast cancer.
Fact
Such a lifestyle can definitely lower the risk, but they don’t eliminate the risk completely. There are various studies to suggest that such a lifestyle can help lower the risk, yet it does not guarantee that the disease will never afflict a woman. In fact, there are many women who got diagnosed with breast cancer despite indulging in healthy eating habits and lifestyles.

Myth: 3
Breast cancer may be caused by a bra.
Fact
There is no evidence to suggest that bras can cause breast cancer. Yet, doubtful social media posts on the internet have fueled this myth about bra being responsible for increasing the risk of breast cancer. The underlying argument that wearing a bra can restrict the flow of lymph fluid and thereby causing a build-up of toxic substances has not been proved by studies.

Myth: 4
Underarm antiperspirants can precipitate breast cancer.
Fact
Rumour is that underarm antiperspirants, especially the ones containing aluminium components get absorbed into the lymph nodes and are transported to the breast cells which increase the risk of cancer. Another theory suggests that antiperspirants stop underarm sweating and thereby increase the risk of cancer. However, until now there is no evidence suggesting that using antiperspirants can precipitate breast cancer. There is also no evidence to suggest that underarm antiperspirants can cause breast cancer although the safety aspect of antiperspirants is under study.

Myth: 5
Consuming too much sugar can cause breast cancer.
Fact
This is not only related to breast cancer but to all types of cancer. The myth is that sugar can feed cancer cells and help them grow. Studies suggest that although cancer cells consume more sugar than normal cells, there is no evidence that sugar can precipitate breast cancer.

Conclusion
These are some of the common myths and facts associated with breast cancer. However, it is best to consult a specialist to know more about breast cancer.