Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

November 28, 2024

Breast cancer is a health matter that has elicited strong conversations about its increasing cases. It has become a rising health concern as the incident rate has risen from 1 in 20 women in 1960 to 1 in 8 women in today's modern digital age. 

Concerning the global trends, the WHO also suggests that breast cancer has now become one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases. This marks an urgent need and requirement to find effective solutions and treatment against it. 

While acknowledging the statistics of this critical health issue, it is important to clarify and understand the clouded myths and misconceptions around it. Sohana Hospital works to fill the quest for knowing breast cancer better.  Here we debunk the common myths surrounding breast cancer while also highlighting the facts that support the science behind it.  

With this blog article, we are going to unfold information that distinguishes between what is true and what is folklore. Let's dive deep into each breast cancer myths and gain further insights about it. 

 

#1 Myth: Only Women Get Breast Cancer

The most common myth about breast cancer is that it only affects women. While this is largely accurate but is not completely true. Men are not fully exempted from this disease as statistics have shown that 1 in 833 are diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Hence these statistics shed light on the fact that awareness must be for all genders. Thus, it is recommended that men too shall perform self-exams and seek early consultation for unusual changes in their breasts. 

 

#2 Myth: A Lump is Always Cancer

Yes, a lump is a significant sign of breast cancer but not all types of lump contribute to the cancer’s existence. There are many kinds of heartless lumps which are also known as benign conditions. These enlist multiple changes in the body such as cysts and fibrocysts. The majority of lumps are non-cancerous and are not considered to be harmful as they do not pose any threat to breast health. However, if a lump is painful or growing then a deep evaluation must be done to recognise whether the lump carries cancerous cells or not. Also, early detection helps address any concern related to the presence of a lump. 

 

#3 Myth: Breast Cancer Always Runs in Families

Another common belief regarding breast cancer is that this disease is dominated by family history and if someone with the family gets infected then it becomes a generational disease. Thus a common misconception is it automatically activates cancerous genes in the coming generations but it is not true. As many changes occur from generation to generation, this may stop the expression of cancerous genes. 

It has also been seen that most of the cancer has been found in women who do not have a family history. Hence, many unnecessary fears are there among women who are recommended to undergo special screening tests at a young age for early diagnosis and treatment. 

 

#4 Myth: Breast Cancer Is Always Fatal

While this disease has caused many deaths, it has also a good survival rate which has led to saving many lives in serious conditions. Since the survival rate has improved drastically due to advanced technologies, it has also led to the decreasing severity of this cancer. Thus, this cancer is not always considered to be fatal and does have better outcomes if patients seek early and effective treatment from a reputable hospital. 

 

What Science Says: Separating Facts from Misconceptions

 

Delving deep into the factual information, science has been debunking all misconceptions by coming up with immense clarity on breast cancer. For treating breast cancer, science has helped us find advancements in imaging technologies, like 3D mammography and MRI to control breast cancer.

It has also led to finding an approach that provides patients more personalised experience. A thorough research has been done to find genetic mutations and studying individuals' genetic profiles. Thus, by targeting specific breast cancer genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, many women have successfully cured their breast cancer. 

In the realm of treatment, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have offered new hope to patients who suffer from subtypes of this disease. This has also led to enhancing survival rates while increasing quality of life. In addition to this, new molecular mechanisms are ongoing research resulting in providing more effective ways for treating breast cancer.

Thus, acknowledging the right cause of cancer while being aware of all facts vs. myths can empower individuals to take early preventive steps against breast cancer.

 

 

Conclusion

By dispelling such myths, we all can foster a health-conscious community by spreading the right information and becoming aware of breast cancer. Hence, by recognising the above myth points, one can acknowledge the factual information and contribute to the early prevention of this cancer. 

Sohana Hospital, a nationally accredited Cancer Hospital focuses on sharing facts and encouraging breast health by providing preventive steps and the right treatment. Our team of cancer specialists and surgeons works hard to provide early detection and early treatment for all cancer patients. Also, being highly experienced in treating multiple patients, they provide the best outcomes for every patient. 

If you too are struggling to find the right treatment for your breast ailment, our hospital stays proactive to give you the right and effective solution. Visit us to experience the best treatment with us and get the most benefit from our advanced technologies that hold a significant worth for treating breast cancer.