We all know that old wives tales, myths, and legends have to start from somewhere, but we usually take them with a grain of salt. But in a time where it’s so hard to distinguish fact from fiction, how can we know what’s a myth and how to take care of our health? When it comes to breast cancer, including its causes, treatments, and more, here’s what you need to know (and what to tune out).

Breast Cancer Myths and Truths

Let’s dive straight in to the myths, how they spread, and what the truth of the matter really is.

Myth: Women With Bigger Breasts Are More Likely To Get Breast Cancer

Having large breasts can cause quite a few things — including back and neck pain and poor posture. However, bigger breasts don’t give you a higher risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, there was a study completed back in 2008 where the original researchers believed there was a link between big breasts and breast cancer. The conclusion? Having bigger breasts didn’t mean you were more likely, but that the tumor could go unnoticed for slightly longer.

So, what’s the truth? Well, there’s simply not a direct link between breast size and breast cancer that has been found. While this may change in the future, as of right now, bigger chested women are not higher risk. Instead, your breast content is more likely a factor. If you have dense breasts, you tend to have more connective tissue than fatty tissue. This may complicate the process of identifying potential tumors in mammograms. Because of this, the CDC says women with dense breasts are more prone to getting breast cancer.

Myth: Only Older Women Get Breast Cancer

Yes, many cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women ages 45 and older. However, this does not mean breast cancer only affects women of a certain age. In fact, the CDC states that around 9% of new breast cancer cases in the United States are found in women under age 45. And what’s worse is that many of these cases are more likely to be found at a later stage.

So the full truth this that the risk of developing breast cancer does increase with age. But it’s important to schedule regular mammograms no matter your age, and be sure to perform monthly self-checks to catch any potential early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Myth: Breast Pain = Breast Cancer

First, breast pain isn’t usually a symptom of breast cancer. However, any breast changes should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.

The truth is, it’s complicated. Most breast pain is caused by non-cancerous conditions such as hormonal fluctuations, infections, or benign cysts. However, any unusual changes in the breast—such as lumps, pain, swelling, or changes in the appearance of the nipple—should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have breast cancer. But there are also many women who don’t report symptoms at all and are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer can sometimes present without pain or other overt symptoms, making regular screenings (like mammograms) and prompt medical attention to any changes crucial for early detection. It’s always better to consult a doctor for any concerns rather than dismissing symptoms based on assumptions.

The best thing you can do for yourself and your health is talk to your doctor when you have any significant changes in your breasts. It’s better to be safe and get an exam than to wait and take a risk with your well-being.

Myth: If You Find A Lump, You Have Breast Cancer

This is a similar myth to the pain = cancer myth. And while, yes, lumps can mean breast cancer, that isn’t always the case.

The truth is that a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer, with an average of under 20% of total lumps being cancerous. The other 80% are benign. However, this doesn’t mean that finding a lump shouldn’t be taken seriously. If you notice that there is a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, please see a physician for a clinical breast exam as soon as you can.

Myth: Sugar Causes Breast Cancer

Many people demonize sugar, and that could be because it isn’t known for its health benefits. However, it has no direct cause in developing breast cancer. While limiting your sugar intake can help you avoid some negative side affects like obesity, mood swings, inflammation, and more, this doesn’t mean these side effects cause cancer of any kind. In fact, sugar is found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are all part of a healthy lifestyle and diet!

This myth may have come from the fact that obesity is considered a risk factor in developing breast cancer and many other types of cancers. But sugar doesn’t mean automatic obesity, and it doesn’t cause tumor growth simply from eating it. Consuming sugar in moderation and having a healthy diet overall is best.

Myth: Cell Phones Cause Breast Cancer

Have you ever been told to not keep a cell phone near you (in your bra or pockets) because it causes breast cancer? Well, you guessed it, that’s a total myth.

Many studies on mobile phone signals have shown no link between phone use and cancer. In fact, brain and nervous system cancers haven’t changed in frequency either, even though cell phone use has ramped up among all age groups. Simply put, your cell phone emits a type of low-frequency energy. Because of the frequency, it’s virtually impossible for it to damage genes, which is the cause of cancer. 

Myth: Underwire Bras Cause Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, a myth was spread decades ago that the underwire in bras restricted the lymph fluid in breasts, which then led to breast cancer. But that has since been proven false. The only true part about bras is that if they don’t fit well, they can cause discomfort, pain, and even swelling.

Bras, no matter what you choose, can not cause breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter). There is also zero evidence that going braless reduces your risk of breast cancer.

Myth: Mammograms Cause Breast Cancer or Spread It

It saddens us that this myth is believed by anyone, because it’s the complete opposite. Mammograms can save lives and regular mammograms are known to help detect breast cancer faster. This means faster treatment and a better chance of survival.

This myth started due to the fact that mammograms use low doses of radiation. Repeated exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing cancer. However, the amount of radiation exposure is limited, and unless you’re getting a mammogram every single day for years, your risk of too much radiation is extremely minimal.

So, let’s talk truth. A mammogram, also known as an x-ray of the breast, helps with early detection of breast cancer. During a mammogram, your breast tissue is compressed to reduce the thickness of the breast and get high-quality x-ray images. Mammograms are currently recommended for women 40 and older. But if you have other breast cancer risk factors, you may qualify for mammograms much earlier. The potential benefits of mammograms far outweigh any potential risk they pose.

Myth: Deodorant and Antiperspirants Cause Breast Cancer

Just like mammograms, sugar, and underwire bras causing cancer, this is a myth. This rumor may have spread for a few different reasons, including that many deodorants and antiperspirants contain parabens and aluminum. These compounds contain extra estrogen, which can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells.

However, there is no clear evidence that these personal hygiene products cause cancer, even though many studies have been completed over the years.

Myth: Breast Cancer Is Always The Same

While breast cancer is considered a specific disease, and newly diagnosed women will announce that they have breast cancer, it is not just one disease on its own. In fact, there are multiple types of breast cancer, and each subtype has its own prognosis, treatment options, growth, etc.

The truth is that breast cancer isn’t the same for every patient, and even when two patients have a similar type, there are many other factors that will affect their treatment. No two people are alike, just like no two diseases (and how they present) are alike.

Myth: A Family History Of Breast Cancer Means You’ll Get It Too

While having family members (mom, aunt, sister) who have been diagnosed with breast cancer does increase your risk for having it too, it’s not a guarantee. So this myth is completely false. In fact, statistics show that only around 5%-10% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

However, there are a few things you should know if you have any breast cancer family history. First, if your mother, daughter, or sister developed breast cancer at 50 or younger, you should consider getting breast imaging 10 years before the age of their diagnosis. An example of this is a daughter getting imaging at 30 since her mom was diagnosed at 40. This is not always possible, but is something to consider.

If you have a grandmother or aunt that was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk only increases slightly. You should still follow guidelines, like monthly self-checks. If many generations in your family have been diagnosed, and it’s on the same side of the family, your family may have a breast cancer gene. You can get tested for gene mutations (like the BRCA gene) with your doctor.

Myth: Having A BRCA1 Or BRCA2 Gene Mutation Means You’ll Develop Breast Cancer

Along with getting tested for gene mutations due to family history, many people believe that having these mutations automatically means you’ll develop breast cancer. But that’s not true either. Again, it can increase your likelihood, but it doesn’t mean breast cancer is in your future.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only around 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old. So even if you discover that you have one of these mutations, there are some proactive measures you can take to reduce you risk. Just a few options include hormone therapy or surgical interventions. Always discuss your healthcare options with your doctor.

Myth: Breast Implants Cause Breast Cancer

Are there women with implants that get diagnosed with breast cancer? Yes. Does this mean you’re more likely to get breast cancer because of implants? No. Research shows that women with breast implants don’t have a higher risk of getting breast cancer just because they have them.

With that myth busted, it is important to note that breast implants can make it harder to read mammograms. If this is the case for you, you may need additional X-rays to fully examine your breast tissue. This helps keep you safe and reduce any potential late diagnosis without the need to remove your implants.

Myth: Men Don’t Get Breast Cancer

Yes, they do. Currently, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for men is about 1 in 726. So while that statistic is significantly lower that the risk for women, this doesn’t mean mean can’t get breast cancer. In 2023 alone, almost 3,000 men were diagnosed with breast caner, and around 500 men each year die from the disease. Men don’t always know to check their breasts, which increases the possibility of cancer going unnoticed until it has progressed.

Men can inherit certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which gives them a higher risk of developing breast cancer. These genetic mutations also increase their likelihood of developing prostate cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.  The most common types of breast cancer in men are invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

So, what can be done? First, men can get tested for the two potential gene mutations. From there, they can speak with their provider to figure out the best course of action when it comes to monitoring their health and potential risks for developing breast cancer.

Myth: You Can’t Do Anything To Lower Your Risk

This is simply untrue. There are many things you can do to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Just a few things you can do are following a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, and getting plenty of rest (at least 7-8 hours per night). Also, be sure to get your regular checkups (and mammograms starting at 40) along with self-checks each month.

Unfortunately, there are women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer who do all of these things. That is simply the nature of diseases. However, following a healthy lifestyle can do so much more that decrease your likelihood. It can mean early detection (thus, a higher survival rate), easier recovery, and so much more.

Myth: Breast Cancer Is Always Curable

We wish this were true, but unfortunately it’s not. This myth may stem from the fact that when caught early, breast cancer is nearly 100% curable and usually requires less-intense treatments and surgeries. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is cured every single time, or that all breast cancer types are curable.

Approximately 42,250 women will die from breast cancer this year. Many of those women will have metastatic breast cancer (also known as stage 4 breast cancer). While  advancements in breast cancer research may bring this number down, as of right now, it’s a truth that you should be aware of.

Myth: Breast Cancer Is A Death Sentence

On the flip side, there are some people that believe breast cancer = death automatically, and that’s not true either. Breast cancer is highly curable in many cases, and even when not completely curable, it is treatable and many women live healthy lives after their diagnoses. Of course, this all depends on the type of cancer, stage, grade, and the patient’s age and overall health. But here are just a few statistics:

• When diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 99% in the U.S.
• When diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 90% in the U.S.. 
• Many stage 3 breast cancer patients can eventually be declared “cancer free” after their treatments, and 86% survive at least five years after diagnosis.
• While stage 4 breast cancer is not curable, some women will be able to treat and control the cancer for at least five years or more (31% for most patients with stage 4, and 42.1% for people under 40).

This is another reason to always be sure to get your yearly check ups and mammograms, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or are considered higher risk for developing it. And remember, self-checks each month are extremely important. The earlier it’s detected, the higher your likelihood of having it treated and/or cured.

Myth: If Your Mammogram Is Normal, Don’t Worry About Anything

We wish this were true, but it’s not always. Screening mammograms are highly effective at detecting breast cancer, but they still miss about 20% of breast cancers that are present at the time of screening. One cause of false-negative results is high breast density, which makes it significantly harder for breast cancer to be detected.

It’s important to always speak up if you feel like something is wrong, and remember that self-checks are also valid reasons for raising concerns with your doctor. If your mammogram comes back as negative, but you want to double check, it’s within your right to do so. You know your body best.

Myth: Eating Soy Increases Chances of Recurring Breast Cancer

If you love tofu, tempeh, and soy in general, don’t worry, this is a myth. You can enjoy your soy! While research has been conflicting over the years, because soy has the capacity to mimic as well as block certain estrogens, dietary soy is safe and can even provide significant health benefits.

However, soy in concentrated forms (like supplements) has a stronger potential for estrogenic activity. So it’s better to avoid it if you’ve been diagnosed with hormonal receptive breast cancer.

Myth: Getting A Mastectomy Removes Breast Cancer Recurrence Risks

If you’ve had a lateral (one-sided) mastectomy, you’re still at risk for developing breast cancer on the other side. You’ll need to have a yearly mammogram on the remaining breast to detect any potential breast changes.

While having a bilateral mastectomy drastically reduces your chances of breast cancer recurrence, there is still a small chance that residual breast tissue or cancer cells could recur on your chest wall. So it’s essential to continue self-exams and to see your doctor on a regular basis. Always be sure to report any breast changes to your doctor.

Myth: You Can’t Have Kids Or Breastfeed After Breast Cancer

Some women believe that they can’t have kids or breastfeed after breast cancer, and this is fortunately untrue for many!

While it is often recommended that you wait for some time after completing your cancer treatments, many women are still able to get pregnant after treatments. Before starting treatments, you should talk to your doctors to make the best decisions for your future fertility if that’s important to you, including talking about freezing your eggs. Luckily, getting pregnant after early-stage breast cancer treatments has not been shown to impact recurrence or survival rates.

After giving birth, it’s also possible for some women to breastfeed. Breastfeeding after treatment is completely safe for you and your baby, as long as you aren’t completing chemotherapy or taking long-term medicines like tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Always talk to your team before making the decision to breastfeed.

Don’t Believe These Breast Cancer Myths

As you can see, there are so many myths out there about breast cancer, cancer treatments, and life after cancer. This is why it’s so important to do your own research and talk to your doctor rather than relying on other people or information from the internet. Some myths start because they are based in some truth that just get out of hand, so never be afraid to ask a professional about your health and what you can expect.

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