Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Common Breast Cancer Misconceptions You Should Know About – Life News

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 670,000 deaths worldwide in 2022.

Approximately half of all breast cancer cases occur in women who have no specific risk factors other than gender and age. Global estimates show striking inequalities in the burden of breast cancer across human development. For example, in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 71 women will die from it, WHO said.

According to Dr Chirag Agrawal, Consultant, Department of Surgical Oncology, Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for 14 per cent of all cancer cases in Indian women.

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“An Indian woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes, according to a 2022 study. The incidence of breast cancer in women increased by 39.1% between 1990 and 2016. Breast cancer is a formidable enemy, but knowledge is its kryptonite,” said Dr. Agrawal. FinancialExpress.com.

There are many misconceptions surrounding its discovery, leading to unnecessary fear or complacency.

“Many people believe that breast cancer is genetic; however, although genetics may play a role, most cases of breast cancer are not hereditary. It is also a misconception that all breast formations are malignant. Many of them are harmless,” she said.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Here are some common misconceptions about breast cancer you should know about

• Trauma to the breast can cause breast cancer: Trauma to the breast can cause fat necrosis, which can look like cancer on imaging. The best way to distinguish cancer from fat necrosis is a needle biopsy.
• Underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer: Doctors say that bones cannot cause breast cancer. However, this may cause skin damage.
• IVF increases the risk of breast cancer: The IVF drug may mimic the activity of estrogen, which is believed to cause estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. However, doctors say that women who receive ovarian stimulation drugs do not have an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is impossible without a family history: Doctors say that only about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are caused by a genetic mutation that is passed between family members.
• Stress can cause breast cancer: Stress can have adverse health effects and worsen existing health conditions. However, doctors say there is no evidence to support a link between stress and breast cancer.
• Breast cancer occurs only in older people: This is another common misconception. Currently, there is an alarming increase in breast cancer cases among women aged 20 to 30 years.
• All lumps in the breast indicate breast cancer: It’s a myth: not all breast lumps are cancer. However, any new tumor should be examined carefully.

Remember that early detection is critical. “Don’t let myths cloud your judgment,” she stressed. “Get regular mammograms, do self-exams, and talk to your doctor about any changes. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference. Empower yourself, bust myths and take control of your health,” she added.