10 Myths about breast cancer

1. A breast lump equals cancer: Some studies estimate as many as 80% of breast lumps are benign. Non-cancerous breast conditions, such as fibrosis and/or cysts, are very common.

2. If a lump is painful, it’s not cancer: Between 2-7% of patients with a painful breast lump will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. Only older women get breast cancer: Approximately 14,500 women age 45 and younger are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. each year.

4. Most breast cancer is hereditary: The majority of breast cancer cases are not caused by inherited gene mutations, and only 5-10% of breast cancer is associated with a gene that is identified, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

5. Deodorant/antiperspirant causes breast cancer: Research has found no conclusive evidence of a connection between deodorant/antiperspirant and breast cancer. 

6. Men don’t get breast cancer: More than 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S.

7. You should avoid sugar and soy if you have breast cancer: There is no evidence that eating sugar or soy has any clinical effect on breast cancer.

8. Self-screening is the most important factor in early diagnosis: Many guidelines recommend self-exams, but they should complement and not replace appropriate screenings from your doctor.

9. Exposing the tumor to air during surgery can cause cancer to spread: There is no evidence in breast cancer that air causes cancer to spread, or that needle core biopsies cause cancer to spread.

10. A mastectomy is the best therapy: Studies have shown that a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy, is just as effective as a mastectomy, and much less invasive.