7 Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The best defense against cancer is education and prevention. Read on to learn more about seven persistent breast cancer myths.

1. If someone in your family has breast cancer, you'll get it, too.

False. Recent data suggest that only 5% to 10% of cancers are familial or hereditary. If someone in your family was diagnosed with familial or hereditary cancer, then you must be proactive about screening for cancer. New advances in biomarker testing, such as for BRCA1/2 mutations, offer more targeted insights for those with a family history. Still, most breast cancers occur without a family history.

2. If no one in your family has cancer, you are risk-free.

False. Unfortunately, 40% of men and women diagnosed with cancer have no family history of cancer. There's no "get out of cancer free" card.

3. Women have a 1 in 8 chance that they will develop breast cancer.

True. Sadly, 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer. That's why it's so important to get your annual mammogram and report any lumps to your doctor. 

4. All lumps in the breast are cancerous.

False. Most of the time, lumps in the breast are caused by harmless cysts and other natural breast changes. However, report all lumps to your doctor. Early diagnosis is the best defense against breast cancer.

5. Having smaller breasts reduces your risk of breast cancer.

False. There is no connection between breast cancer and the size of your breasts.

6. You don't need to worry about breast cancer until you're older.

True/False. It's recommended that women 40 and over have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women between 45 and 65 are encouraged to prioritize yearly screenings. At your annual physical, your doctor can check for any suspicious lumps in your breasts. New technologies, like 3D mammograms, can detect more minor abnormalities at earlier stages, increasing survival rates. If your family has a history of cancer at a young age, your doctor might recommend mammograms starting at a younger age. 

7. Breast cancer is preventable.

False. Breast cancer isn't preventable. Reducing alcohol consumption, losing weight, and getting regular exercise can help lower your risk of a cancer diagnosis, however.

Sources:

• American Cancer Society - This source provided insights into the latest statistics, screening guidelines, and preventive measures for breast cancer in 2023 (Cancer Info & Resources).

• Cancer Network - This highlighted updates in breast cancer research, including biomarker testing, treatment advancements, and screening technologies as of October 2023​ (Cancer Network).

• KSDK News - This article covered key myths, screening recommendations, and treatment updates from a breast surgeon's perspective during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2023​ (KSDK).