Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but misinformation and outdated recommendations can make it difficult to know what to believe.
From social media posts and anecdotal stories to recommendations that have changed over time, patients may encounter conflicting information about breast cancer screening, risk and treatment.
“It's important because when people don't have a good understanding about breast cancer, it can lead to a delay in diagnosis,” says Dr. Pamela Strickland, a breast surgeon at Northside Hospital. “There's increased anxiety, there's mistrust of the medical field in general, and it can lead to poor treatment decisions.”
Here are some common breast cancer misconceptions — and the facts patients should know.
Myth: Deodorant, bras or trauma cause breast cancer
Claims that deodorant, wearing a bra or an injury to the breast can cause breast cancer are common, but cancer is much more complex than that
Cancer develops when changes occur in the DNA of cells. DNA acts as an instruction manual for cells, helping control how they grow, divide and interact with surrounding cells. Over time, small changes can accumulate and, when enough changes occur, a normal cell can become cancerous.
Age, hormones and genetics can all play a role in this process, along with other environmental and lifestyle factors. It is not typically the result of one thing a person did — or failed to do.
"It's basically a perfect storm of things that have to line up just right in order for a normal breast tissue cell to become a breast cancer cell," Dr. Strickland says.
Myth: Mammograms can cause or spread breast cancer
Mammograms do use a small amount of radiation, which can cause concern among some women. But the amount of radiation used in mammography is extremely low, and the benefits of screening and early detection outweigh the potential risks, according to Dr. Strickland.
Another common concern is that the compression used during a mammogram could cause a cancer to spread. But that is not how breast cancer spreads.
"Cancer spreads through biology, not through compression," Dr. Strickland said. "Cancer is a very complex biological process, and it takes more than just pushing on it to cause it to spread."
Compression flattens and spreads breast tissue, making it easier for the mammogram to produce clear images. Better visualization can help doctors detect breast cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective.
While there are other imaging tests, including ultrasound and MRI, that may be appropriate for certain patients, these tests do not replace mammography as the standard screening tool.
Myth: I don't have a family history, so I'm not at risk
Having a family history of breast cancer can increase a person's risk, but it does not mean that someone without a family history is not at risk. In fact, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, Dr. Strickland says, with the latest research showing that 80-85% of women who develop breast cancer had no family history of the disease.
“While family history is important, it's not the be-all, end-all,” she said.
More common risk factors include age, hormonal factors, genetics and lifestyle, Dr. Strickland says. For women who may be at increased risk, a detailed risk assessment can help determine their individual risk and whether additional screening may be appropriate.
Myth: Young women don't get breast cancer
Breast cancer becomes more common as women get older, but younger women can develop the disease, too.
“Less common does not mean rare,” Strickland says.
Although breast cancer is less common among younger women, its incidence in this age group has been increasing. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the breast cancer incidence rate among women younger than 50 increased by 1.4% annually from 2012 to 2022.
Because breast cancer may be less expected in younger women, symptoms can sometimes be overlooked and diagnosis can be delayed.
Myth: Breast cancer isn't preventable
Not all breast cancer risk factors are within a person's control. Genetics, family history, age and environmental exposures can all play a role. But certain lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
Some of those lifestyle adjustments include maintaining a healthy body weight, particularly after menopause, and eating a healthy diet that emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting red meat and highly processed or high-sugar foods. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol also can help reduce risk.
Engaging in regular physical activity also helps. Dr. Strickland recommends about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise throughout the week, which can be broken into shorter periods of activity.
While these steps can influence risk, they cannot eliminate it. Breast cancer develops through a combination of factors, so even people who follow these recommendations can still develop the disease, Dr. Strickland says.
Separating facts from misinformation
With so much information about breast cancer available online, it can be difficult to separate facts from misinformation. Dr. Strickland encourages patients to consider the source of a claim and seek out current, evidence-based information to determine whether it is supported by scientific evidence.
Social media can spread information quickly, but popularity does not make a claim accurate. Personal stories can be compelling, too, but one person's experience does not necessarily reflect what decades of research has shown to be true. And because medical recommendations can change as research advances, information that was once considered standard may not reflect current practice.
When patients encounter information that raises questions or concerns, Dr. Strickland encourages them to talk with their health care provider before making decisions about screening or treatment.
“My goal is just to replace fear with facts,” she said.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BREAST CANCER CARE AT NORTHSIDE.
