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Did You Know Of These 5 Myths Related To Breast Cancer?

Verified Medically Reviewed By: Dr Tejal Gorasia, surgical oncologist (breast and gynaec) and medical director at Onco Life Cancer Care Centre, Chiplun

It is important to debunk myths linked to breast cancer so as to make informed decisions and initiate breast cancer treatment without any delay.

Written by Prerna Mittra | Updated : October 16, 2024 5:58 PM IST

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Common Breast Cancer Myths

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer, which is also quite aggressive and requires a proactive approach to combat and prevent it, mostly in the form of preventative screenings. Dr Tejal Gorasia, surgical oncologist (breast and gynaec) and medical director at Onco Life Cancer Care Centre, Chiplun says many women remain unaware of this cancer and suffer in silence, failing to seek timely treatment due to the myths associated with it. Here are some of them; scroll down.

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Myth 2: Only Older Women Suffer From Breast Cancer

Fact: Earlier, breast cancer was majorly seen in women between the ages of 50 and 65. Now, women in their 30s and 40s are also getting diagnosed. Reasons could be genetics and family history. Every woman after 25 must do a self breast examination along with yearly mammograms after the age of 40. Do not ignore symptoms like breast pain and tenderness, lump, nipple changes, and blood discharge from the breast.

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Myth 3: Underwire Bra Causes Breast Cancer

Fact: Bras or any other clothing do not cause breast cancer. It is believed that wearing a bra, especially an underwire one, may restrict the flow of lymph fluid out of the breast, causing the build-up of toxic substances in the tissue, says Dr Gorasia, adding that there, however, is no connection between an underwire bra and breast cancer. Also Read - Julia Louis Dreyfus Says She Was ‘Pushed Into Revealing’ Her 2017 Breast Cancer Diagnosis: ‘I Like to Keep My Life Private'

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Myth 4: Having Lumps Means Breast Cancer

Fact: Many breast lumps are non-cancerous. Get them examined by a doctor to confirm the nature of the lump and find out whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).