About Breast Cancer > Breast Cancer Myths

Breast Cancer Myths

There is a lot of misinformation out there resulting in common breast cancer myths. Make sure you know the truth behind these common misconceptions.

Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer Injuries to the breast do not cause breast cancer. However, an injury may occasionally draw attention to an abnormality that leads to a diagnosis.

Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk, although it can sometimes be more challenging to examine larger breasts.

Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women While most cases of breast cancer do occur in middle-aged or older women, a diagnosis can happen at any age.

Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer Breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer, though it should not be ruled out completely and should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer Sugar does not cause breast cancer. However, overconsumption may lead to obesity and other health issues, which can increase breast cancer risk.

Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer While carrying your cell phone in your bra may not be the most comfortable choice, it does not cause breast cancer.

Myth: All breast cancers are the same There are many different types of breast cancer. Each type has individual features, characteristics, and considerations.

Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer No type of bra, including those with underwire, causes breast cancer. There is no evidence to support that going braless reduces breast cancer risk.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer Not all breast lumps are breast cancer. However, all breast lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only Men also have breast tissue and, though rare, men can get breast cancer, too.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it Neither the compression of the breast nor the amount of radiation required for a mammogram causes breast cancer.

Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too While women who have a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk, most women who have breast cancer have no family history.

Myth: Breast cancer is contagious You cannot catch breast cancer, nor can you give breast cancer to someone else. Breast cancer is not contagious.

Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer Not all women with a gene mutation will develop breast cancer. However, a breast cancer gene mutation does increase breast cancer risk.

Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer There is no strong evidence to support that using antiperspirants and deodorants causes breast cancer.