6 Bare Myths on Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when the breast cells start growing and multiplying out of control due to mutations happening in the genes that regulate their growth. Usually, it starts with a lump. While it is most common in women, men too can get breast cancer. Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous) and not malignant i.e. they do not turn into cancer. But, to be on the safer side all you need to do is regular breast self-exams, contacting your cancer surgeon should you feel the need and do an early clinical breast examination. Pune has many good breast surgeons. If you are from Maharashtra, then you can easily consider consulting the best breast surgeon in Pune.rnThe non-cancerous or benign tumor/lump though tends to show abnormal (but slow) growth, does not spread out of the breast area and is not life threatening either. Still, some rare types of benign tumors run the risk of turning into breast cancer. It is for your doctor to clearly ascertain whether a tumor is benign or malignant by doing specific tests and suggest treatment accordingly. There are many myths around breast cancer. Let us cut through some prevalent myths around breast cancer vis-à-vis the facts as well.rnMyth1: A lump in your breast definitely means you have breast cancerrnFact: Not all lumps are cancerous, only a small percentage are. Hence, no need to panic. However, if the lump persists or you notice any change, that should not be ignored. In that case you must visit a physician and do a clinical breast examination. Your physician will guide and advise you further on this, to help you understand the situation better.rnMyth2: Wearing brassiere results into breast cancerrnFact: Brassiere has nothing to do with breast cancer. Wearing (or not) does not make any difference.rnMyth3: Breastfeeding rules out breast cancerrnFact: Breast feeding does not stop/prevent breast cancer, though it can reduce the risk. This is because it reduces the risk of Estrogen ( the steroid hormones responsible for development and maintenance of feminine characteristics) exposure.rnMyth4: Using antiperspirants or deodorants can result in breast cancerrnFact: There is no conclusive evidence on this as per the researchers of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.rnMyth5: Only older women run the risk of breast cancerrnFact: Though it is a fact that most women over 50 in the West get breast cancer, breast cancer can happen at any age. In fact in India, the majority of diagnosed cases are under 50.rnMyth6: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you will have it toornFact: Not really. In fact, statistically, only 10% of the diagnosed breast cancer patients have a family history. However, if you have a family history or multiple generations having had the disease, you could be at a higher risk. Therefore, it is advisable to remain careful and do breast self-examination regularly plus consult a doctor for a diagnostic breast imaging.rnFortunately, men and women globally are now increasingly aware of breast cancer and associated issues. The spread of awareness everywhere has also helped people to know about the risk factors, and what/how they should do to avoid/reduce the level of danger.