National Awareness & Resource Initiative for Breast Health

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NARI · Breast Health Awareness

Know the facts. Own your health.

Explore evidence-based information that separates common myths from medical facts about breast cancer.
Explore Myths vs Facts

Breast Health · Awareness

Demystifying Common Myths Relating to Breast Cancer

Separating facts from misconceptions with evidence-based information.
Myth

Most breast lumps are cancers

FACT

9 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancers. However it is vitally important to visit a specialist if there are any new changes in the breast. A triple assessment – i.e. clinical breast examination, bilateral mammography and ultrasound, and preferably an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy – will be able to accurately determine whether a lump in the breast is benign or cancerous.

Myth

Breast cancer affects only older women

FACT

Although the majority of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 in the western world, it can in fact occur at any age. It is alarming to note that breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed at a much earlier age in India. Most breast cancers in India are diagnosed between the ages of 40 – 60 years.

Myth

Breast cancer does not occur in men

FACT

Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer. It is important to be aware that a small proportion of men do get breast cancer each year (1%).

Myth

We know what causes breast cancer

FACT

We do not know what causes breast cancer. There are, however, well recognized risk factors. Being a woman and increasing age are the two most important factors. Other known risk factors include:

Previously diagnosed breast cancer in the same or other breast

Strong family history of breast cancer (close relatives with breast cancer due to alteration in BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 genes — 5–10%)

Early onset of menstrual period (before age 12) & late menopause (after age 55)

Not having children and having a first child after age 30

Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy

Obesity (overweight particularly after menopause)

Myth

Family history of breast cancer is the most important risk factor for getting breast cancer

FACT

Strong family history (genetic predisposition due to alteration in BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 genes) accounts for only 5–10% of breast cancers.
Myth

Carrying your cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer

FACT

There is no evidence of a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of mobile phones is still being studied. As a general rule, it is advisable to keep the mobile phone away from your body as much as possible. Although there is no proven breast cancer link, you may wish to avoid wearing your cellphone in your bra or chest pocket until more research is available.
Myth

When there is no lump in the breast, there is no need for a screening mammogram

FACT

A screening mammogram (X-ray of breast) is done to detect breast cancer in the impalpable stage when neither the lady nor the doctor can feel a lump. It is advisable to have a screening mammogram once every year from the age of 40. Early detection of breast cancer offers the best chance of successful treatment, which translates to significantly improved survival.
Myth

Mastectomy for breast cancer is better than breast conserving surgery to ensure long term survival

FACT

There is ample evidence to suggest that women suitable for having breast conserving surgery, which must be followed up with radiotherapy, have equivalent long term survival to those women who undergo mastectomy.
Myth

Breast cancer screening is effective in all age groups

FACT

Whilst it is important for women of all ages to be ‘Breast Aware‘, breast screening is effective only in women over the age of 40 years. Routine breast screening for women under 40 and without symptoms is not effective.
Myth

Mammography is painful

FACT

Whilst mammography may cause momentary discomfort, it is not painful.
Myth

Mammography is not safe. It causes radiation hazard.

FACT

Mammography involves a tiny dose of radiation – the risk to health from this is insignificant. The radiation dose delivered during mammography is slightly higher than what is delivered with a chest X-ray. The benefit of a screening mammogram far outweighs any risks.
Myth

Breast screening prevents breast cancer

FACT

No, breast screening only helps find breast cancer if it is already there.
Myth

Breast cancer can be prevented

FACT

Breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, a healthy diet, regular exercise and regular practice of meditation to keep the mind calm have all been shown to reduce the incidence of lifestyle diseases. Breast cancer has also become a lifestyle disease, and these practices can reduce the risk of breast cancer as well. Some studies suggest that women who drink large amounts of alcohol may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Myth

Breast self examination is no different from Breast Awareness

FACT

Breast self examination (BSE) is a regular and repetitive monthly self examination of the breast performed by a woman at the same time each month to a set method. The concept of BSE has not proven to be beneficial. Breast Awareness is about becoming familiar with the breasts and the way they change throughout a woman’s life. Breast Awareness, as a concept, is gaining increasing acceptance world over.
Breast Awareness

5 - Point Code

Know what is normal for you

Know what changes to look & feel for

Look and feel

Report any changes to your Doctor without delay

Have a screening Mammogram (X- ray of the breast) every year if you are aged 40 and over

Changes that one should be aware of

Painless lump or thickening

in the breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue

Change in size

it may be that one breast has become noticeably larger or noticeably lower

Nipple

has become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape

Rash

on or around the nipple

Blood stained

discharge from one or both nipples

Puckering

or dimpling of the skin

Swelling under

the armpit or around the collarbone (where the lymph nodes are)