According to the latest statistics from the WHO, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Also, it is estimated that breast cancer is impacting over 2 million women each year. October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. While the occurrence of breast cancer rates is higher in developed regions of the world, trends reveal an upward trajectory in breast cancer rates in developing and underdeveloped geographies. However, there have been tremendous advancements in the detection, management, and treatment of breast cancer, misinformation and misconceptions are everywhere, so it’s important to break those myths and know the facts.
MYTH: People with no family history of breast cancer, don’t get it.
FACT: Family history of cancer may be important while determining the chances of breast cancer, however, breast cancer does occur in people with no family history of cancer.
It is a common belief that breast cancer is an inherited disease. However, it has been observed that only about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. A vast majority of people who have breast cancer have no family history which is indicative of the fact that there are various factors as well, that contributes towards the development of breast malignancies. With increasing old, healthy breast cells can develop mutations on their own, finally developing into cancerous cells.
However, if someone in the family has breast cancer, it is an important risk factor that must be taken into account while screening for breast cancer.
MYTH: Breast cancer affects only older women.
FACT: Younger women too can develop breast cancer, even men.
Although breast cancer is prevalent among women over the age of 50. It can, in fact, occur at any age and occur in men too, although it is extremely rare, it does happen. Males also contain breast tissue and if they experienced any growth or lump-like appearance in their chest area they must consult with a medical expert.
MYTH: Healthy weight, nutritious diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol can keep breast cancer at bay.
FACT: Although these behaviours can help lower breast cancer risk, they can’t completely eliminate it.
Factors responsible for breast cancer are outside our control and are nowhere related to a healthy lifestyle or diet. Although evidence exists that a healthy lifestyle encompassing a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol intake can help reduce breast cancer risk, they really don’t guarantee freedom from breast cancer. Sometimes after doing everything right people often succumb to breast cancer.
MYTH: Breast cancer always causes a lump you can feel.
FACT: Breast cancer might not cause a lump, especially when it first develops.
Most people believe that breast cancer always causes a lump or a tumour that can be felt during a breast self-examination. However, breast cancer does not necessarily, always cause a lump or perceivable clustering of tissues when in the initial stages. Sometimes cancer may affect the lymph nodes of the breast and cannot be felt in the form of lumps.
Also, it must be clearly understood that any lump be it smooth or hard, movable or fixed, that can be felt through the skin needs to be checked out by a healthcare professional. Most of the lumps are benign (not cancerous), however, there is always a possibility that breast cancer may strike.
MYTH: Self breast examination is sufficient to find breast cancer early.
FACT: Although self breast examination is an important way to monitor changes in the breast, Mammography is the best early-detection tool that is available currently.
Breast self-examination is good practice to monitor changes in the breast, however, for women above the age of 40, it is highly recommended to get annual mammography screening done so as to detect cancer early when it is still within the duct which is called DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ).
Usually on mammograms DCIS if detected it looks like a small cluster of calcifications with irregular shapes and sizes. Digital mammography systems enable the identification of micro-calcifications with high-quality images and hence improve the chances of early detection of breast cancer. But it’s important to pay attention to any changes in breasts by performing monthly breast self-exams and have a physical examination of your breasts by a health professional every year.
MYTH: Breast cancer cannot be treated.
FACT: Metastatic breast cancer can’t be cured, but it can be treated.
How the body performs with metastatic cancer relies on various factors including age, health, other conditions, and access to medical care. But about one-third of the people with this diagnosis have lived with it for a considerable duration of time. Various methods like radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, etc. are recommended based on the severity of cancer.
The writer is President – Imaging and CLSS, Trivitron Healthcare.
