Common Misconceptions About Breast Cancer

Anadolu Health Center Hospital has legends and legends about breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in women, stating that some common misconceptions in society make it difficult to understand. This misinformation is important for individuals to take appropriate precautions. Surgery Specialist, Breast Health Center Director Prof. Dr. Ali Uğur Emre listed the common misconceptions about breast cancer as follows:

Breast cancer only occurs in older women

Wrong:
Breast cancer can occur in all age groups, but the risk increases with age. Young women, and even men, can get breast cancer.

Breast cancer is genetically inherited

Wrong: Breast cancer is thought to occur only in people with a genetic predisposition. In fact, a large proportion of breast cancer can develop without genetic risk factors. Most breast cancers occur without a family history of cancer.

If breast cancer is detected by physical examination, the cancer is always in an advanced stage.

Wrong: Noticing a mass during manual examination does not always indicate that the cancer is at an advanced stage. Masses can also be felt in the early stages. However, it is important to consult a doctor immediately if any abnormal changes are noticed.

Getting a mammogram or having surgery for breast cancer spreads or causes cancer.

Wrong: Mammography involves radiation, but these radiation doses are very low and generally safe. Mammography is an important screening method for early detection of breast cancer. The risk of radiation causing cancer is considered minimal, and the benefits of mammography far outweigh the risks. It is a misconception that cancer spreads throughout the body after surgery.

There is no risk for people who do not have breast cancer in their family.

WrongThere are factors that affect every woman’s risk of breast cancer, but some carry more risk than others. The risk of breast cancer depends on many factors, including age, genetic factors, lifestyle and hormonal conditions. A healthy lifestyle and regular screenings can reduce risks.

It is safe to assume that the small mass is not cancer

Wrong: Having a small mass in the breast does not mean that this mass is definitely not cancer. It is also possible for a small mass to be cancerous. Any mass, regardless of size, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer

Wrong: Breastfeeding can partially reduce the risk of breast cancer, but it does not completely eliminate it. This does not mean that breastfeeding women will not develop cancer.

Once breast cancer is diagnosed, only surgery is sufficient.

Wrong: Breast cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Surgery is just one part of the treatment plan. Methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies may be required.

Genetic tests protect against breast cancer

WrongGenetic tests can help assess a person’s risk of breast cancer, but they do not prevent cancer. Genetic testing enables high-risk individuals to take mitigating measures.

Breast self-examination is an adequate screening method

Wrong: Breast self-examination is not a substitute for regular doctor checkups and mammograms. Some abnormalities may be noticed during physical examination, but screening methods such as mammography detect smaller and earlier stage tumors.

Only women get breast cancer

Wrong: It is wrong to think that breast cancer occurs only in women. Men are also at risk of breast cancer, but this is much rarer than women. Although the incidence of breast cancer in men is low, it is important to know the risk factors and follow the symptoms.

Deodorants or underwire bras cause breast cancer

Wrong: Deodorants, underarm creams or bras do not cause breast cancer.