Breast Cancer: Separating Fact from Myth

By Puja Sehgal, MD

There are many myths surrounding breast cancer that could mean the difference between life and death when it comes to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

One such myth is that it’s a woman-only disease. Men can and do get breast cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, it’s estimated that approximately 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and 530 will die, so it’s important for both men and women to be vigilant.

There are also several other common myths surrounding breast cancer that need to be addressed with the facts.

Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

Fact: This is not true. A mammogram is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. Having a mammogram can’t cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram.

Myth: No one in my family has breast cancer, so there’s no reason for concern.

Fact: This is not true. A mammogram is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. Having a mammogram can’t cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram.

Myth: No one in my family has breast cancer, so there’s no reason for concern.

Fact: 87% of women who have breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means you’ll get it, too.

Fact: While women and men who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll get the disease. However, if you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis or starting at age 35.

Myth: Only older people get breast cancer.

Fact: This is a potentially dangerous myth because breast cancer can affect women of any age, and 25% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50. If you feel a lump – at any age – have it checked out.

Myth: Having a mastectomy is the best way to cure breast cancer and prevent it from recurring.

Fact: Few women diagnosed with breast cancer actually need a mastectomy. Breast cancer can often be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and lumpectomy (tumor removal).

By having regular screenings, including mammograms, you can help improve your chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier stage, which greatly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.