Breast cancer impacts millions of people worldwide annually. Despite increasing awareness, there are still prevalent misconceptions about breast cancer that discourage some individuals from seeking screening and necessary care. October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To dispel these misconceptions, Dr. Tibor Kovacs, a specialist in breast surgery and oncoplastics, as well as a staff physician in general surgery at the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, shared insights on seven common misunderstandings about breast cancer.
Myth 1: Breast cancer does not affect men Fact: Although breast cancer predominantly affects women and is 100 times more common in them, it can also occur in men with a small amount of breast tissue. The World Health Organization reports that around 0.5 to 1 percent of breast cancers occur in men. Dr. Kovacs explained potential risk factors for men, including increasing age, heavy alcohol consumption, liver disease, a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, and exposure to certain medical conditions or treatments. Men should consult their doctor if they notice a painless lump in the breast, puckering or dimpling of breast skin, a retracted nipple, nipple scaling or redness, or nipple discharge.
Myth 2: Breast cancer only affects older women Fact: While most breast cancer cases occur in older women, it can develop at any age. Cancers in younger individuals tend to be more aggressive due to genetic mutations, while older women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancers linked to hormonal changes. Therefore, it's important to undergo genomic testing if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or if diagnosed under the age of 50.
Myth 3: Breast cancer always starts with a lump Fact: Breast cancer doesn't always present as a lump, especially in its early stages. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, an inverted nipple, or nipple dimpling, which individuals may mistakenly overlook as signs of cancer. Regular mammograms and self-exams are crucial for early detection.
Myth 4: Doctors can feel a lump and determine if it's cancerous Fact: Diagnostic imaging, like mammography, is necessary to confirm if a growth is cancerous. Delaying imaging can result in a delayed cancer diagnosis, so suspicious growths should be evaluated through diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds.
Myth 5: If a breast lump shifts or moves, it's not cancerous Fact: In the early stages, most lumps can move around. Cancerous tissue only stops moving when it grows larger and attaches to other tissue. During self-exams, individuals should feel for something hard that feels out of place, even if it's as small as a frozen pea.
Myth 6: Nipple discharge indicates cancer Fact: There is no specific breast cancer-related discharge. However, if the discharge is bloody or occurs without breast squeezing, it can be a sign of breast cancer about 10 percent of the time. Seeking expert advice is advisable in such cases.
Myth 7: Wearing a tight bra increases the risk Fact: The type of bra worn has no impact on breast cancer risk. This is a common but unfounded myth.
Breast cancer myths can lead to fear and misinformation. Routine screenings, including mammograms, are essential for early detection and proactive breast health management. "It is routine screening that saves lives," emphasized Dr. Kovacs. Mammograms are critical in identifying cancers before lumps become noticeable, making treatment more effective.