October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this is marked in countries across the world to help to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment of this disease.
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. Research carried out by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2008 showed that there were about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year. In 2018, there were an estimated 2.1 million new cases of breast cancer and 627 000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide.
In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been on a steady rise in recent years due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.
The majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and limited or poor health services.
As common as breast cancer is, it remains one of the most treatable types of cancer when it is detected in the early stages, hence the need to be very observant and do regular breast examinations and screenings.
There are a few myths around breast cancer which may be dangerous as some of them may be responsible for late presentation in some patients. Here are a few of them.
Myth: Drinking milk (or dairy) causes breast cancer
Truth: Several myths persist about the correlation between dairy intake and the increased risk of breast cancer. Over many decades, studies have shown that dairy consumption does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
Truth: Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. He or she may possibly order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is something to be worried about or not.
Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine screening mammograms.
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
Truth: Father of pop star Beyonce, Mattew Knowles has been in the news recently because he was diagnosed with breast cancer, so yes, men do get breast cancer. Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians.
Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola. Men carry a higher mortality than women do, primarily because awareness among men is less and they are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.
Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread
Truth: A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”
The standard recommendation is an annual mammographic screening for women beginning at age 40. In some cases, the physician may recommend starting earlier. Be sure to discuss any remaining questions or concerns you may have with your physician.
Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have not found any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
Truth: You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of abnormal cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.
Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
Truth: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistics show that only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.
If you have a first degree relative with breast cancer: If you have a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer below the age of 50, you should consider some form of regular diagnostic breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.
If you have a second degree relative with breast cancer: If you have had a grandmother or aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk increases slightly, but it is not in the same risk category as those who have a first degree relative with breast cancer.
If you have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or if there are several individuals who are first degree relatives to one another, or several family members diagnosed under age 50, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene contributing to the cause of this familial history.
