With information about breast cancer coming from different sources, you may have unanswered questions. Here are some of the most common myths about breast cancer screening to help you get a clearer picture and make informed decisions about your health.
Myth 1: Breast cancer is a rare form of cancer.
Breast cancer is the one of the most common form of cancers in Canada. For those born female, it’s estimated that a quarter of cancer cases that occur are caused by breast cancer and leads to nearly 1 in 10 cancer-related deaths.
Myth 2: Breast cancer mainly affects those with a family history of it.
While breast cancer is more common in those who have genetic mutations, such as changes in the BRCA genes, over 90% of breast cancer cases are in people who don’t have a family history of it. Many other factors can also put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially those that change your exposure to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Other factors can include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Beginning to menstruate at an early age
- Being over the age of 50
- Higher body weight
- Not having pregnancies
- Pregnancies after age 30
- Starting menopause later than average
- Taking hormone replacement medications for many years
Myth 3: Breast cancer affects all people similarly.
Everyone’s risk of developing breast cancer varies. While it tends to be more common in Caucasians in their 50s and beyond, people of African or Asian descent are more likely to develop it during their 40s. Some groups, like Indigenous peoples, have a higher risk of developing more advanced breast cancers in their 60s. Understanding these differences helps make sure everyone gets the right care and screening.
People who are born male can still develop breast cancer, but this tends to be much rarer as they don’t often have fully-formed breasts and have lower estrogen levels. Unfortunately, because it’s rarer, many of these cases tend to get missed until the cancer has progressed.
It’s important to remember that younger people of all backgrounds can still develop breast cancer. This is a large part of the push towards starting breast cancer screening at younger ages.
Myth 4: Mammograms can increase my risk of developing breast cancer.
Mammograms are imaging tests that involve taking x-ray images of the breasts. During the test, your breasts are pressed between 2 plastic plates to flatten them. This process causes the breast tissues to become more visible, making the resulting images clearer while reducing the amount of radiation needed. Mammograms use a very low and safe amount of radiation that won’t increase your risk of developing cancer.
However, there are some risks associated with mammograms. They can sometimes produce false positives, which can cause significant stress and anxiety. In some cases, this might lead to unnecessary treatments and medications, even if the cancer is slow growing or not harmful, resulting in side effects.
Myth 5: Breast exams are good alternatives to mammograms.
In many cases, breast cancer develops without any obvious symptoms. Mammograms can detect breast cancer even when you don’t you notice breast changes, and remains the gold standard for screening. However, checking for unusual changes in your breasts, like lumps, swelling, or skin changes on a monthly basis can help you and your health care provider determine if more thorough testing is needed in between mammograms. This proactive approach ensures that most potential issues can be found early.
Myth 6: Deodorants and other antiperspirants can cause breast cancer.
Historically, it was thought that deodorants and other similar products stop toxins from being released as part of their ability to block sweat. Based on current research, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.
Because breast cancer is a common and severe condition, many advocacy groups in Canada are working to raise awareness and support those affected. Visit these groups to learn more about breast cancer and help us in our battle against it.
- Canadian Breast Cancer Network: Provides education, advocacy, and support for people affected by breast cancer.
- Breast Cancer Canada: Funds research and provides resources for those affected by breast cancer.
- Canadian Cancer Society: Offers national support services, including local support groups.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Truths-and-Misconceptions-About-Breast-Cancer