When a woman has been diagnosed with cancer, most people automatically assume that she has contracted breast cancer. Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer in being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. BreastCancer.org estimates that 30 percent of cancers diagnosed in women in 2017 will be breast cancer.
With the overwhelming amount of information available online regarding breast cancer, most women have heard myths associated with the disease. Separating the true from the false gives women only the fact when designing a treatment plan.
Here are eight common falsehoods exposed:
1. Almost all breast lumps are cancerous.
About 80 percent of lumps found in women’s breasts turn out not to be cancerous. Most lumps are caused by benign (noncancerous) changes, cysts or other conditions. However, a woman should not ignore any lump or change in her breast tissue. It is very important to see a physician for a clinical breast exam with possible breast imaging to determine if a lump is of concern or not. A doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy to help determine whether a lump is cancerous.
2. Underwire bras cause breast cancer.
This misconception is based on an old theory that underwire bras reduce lymphatic drainage, leading to breast cancer by causing toxins to accumulate. This notion has been widely debunked. There is currently no connection between the tightness of a woman’s clothing and breast cancer risk.
3. Antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
This rumor was started because a common ingredient, paraben, was linked with the production of estrogen a hormone linked with increased cancer risk. There is no research supporting this notion and the American Cancer Society debunked this myth. If parabens are of concern to a woman, she should check the ingredient label and look for ingredients such as methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben or benzyl paraben. Most antiperspirants no longer contain these substances.
4. Women with small breasts have a lower risk of breast cancer.
Breast size does not affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer. It is true however, that is can be harder to examine larger breast with a clinical breast exam or a mammogram. Regardless of breast size, all women should commit to regular screenings and checkups.
5. Exposure to air causes cancer to spread.
Having surgery does not cause breast cancer, and cutting into a tumor where it is exposed to air will not cause cancer to spread.
6. Breast implants raise the risk of breast cancer.
Women with breast implants do not have a higher risk of breast cancer, according to research. However, standard mammograms may not always work as well on women with breast implants, so additional imaging may be needed to fully examine breast tissue.
7. Family history is the biggest predictor of breast cancer.
Wrong. While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group (particularly if their mother, sister or daughter develops the disease), most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Statistically, only about 10 percent of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
For more information about digital mammograms and 3d mammograms in Miami, contact the Center for Diagnostic Imaging today. With several locations throughout South Florida, our experts will help you with your digital imaging needs to facilitate early detection. Call 1-800-371-0002 to schedule an appointment.
 "The 7 Myths of Breast Cancer Transmission")
