According to data from the National Cancer Registry (2017), 1 in 27 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes – 16% of cancer deaths linked to it. We shed light on the disease and debunk a few myths around it.
Breast cancer represents one of the world’s most significant health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, “As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past five years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer”.
According to the National Cancer Registry, 1 in 27 women are at risk of developing breast cancer in South Africa, accounting for 23% of all cancer cases registered in the country in 2019. With its national awareness campaigns and iconic pink ribbons, breast cancer has received much media attention over the years. But how much do we really know about breast cancer?
THE TOP 10 BREAST CANCER MYTHS DEBUNKED
1. PERFORM SELF-EXAMS
Although self-exams have long been recommended, there is growing evidence that they are ineffective for early detection. Women are encouraged to have regular breast exams done by an expert.
2. IF YOU FIND A LUMP IN YOUR BREAST, YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER
Only a small percentage of breast lumps are cancerous. However, if you find a lump, you should consult a health professional for a clinical breast exam.
3. NO LUMP MEANS NO CANCER
In its earliest stage, breast cancer might not cause obvious lumps. Instead, changes or irregularities such as breast or nipple pain, swelling, skin irritation, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, or dryness of the nipple’s skin should be monitored.
4. MAMMOGRAMS DON’T WORK
Despite limitations, mammograms can still be an invaluable screening tool to help identify early forms of breast cancer.
5. IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF) INCREASES YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING BREAST CANCER
A 2021 study evaluating 30 years of evidence concluded no link between using ovarian stimulation drugs and increased risk of breast cancer.
6. YOU WILL GET BREAST CANCER IF THERE IS A FAMILY HISTORY OF THE DISEASE
Although a family history of breast cancer does raise your health risk profile, the effect is much less significant than commonly supposed. Only about 10 percent of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history thereof.
7. UNDERWIRE BRAS CAUSE BREAST CANCER
Underwire bras do not affect your chances of developing breast cancer. But they can cause infections and other painful conditions such as abscesses.
8. TOO MUCH SUGAR CAN CAUSE BREAST CANCER
No scientific evidence suggests a link between excessive intake of sugar and breast cancer. However, a sugary diet can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor.
9. BREAST CANCER ONLY OCCURS IN WOMEN
While less than 1% of new breast cancer diagnoses occur in men, they are still vulnerable to the condition and should be on the lookout for any symptoms.
10. THE RECOVERY RATE FOR BREAST CANCER IS DECLINING
This is not the case. In fact, thanks to developments in screening and treatment technologies, the recovery rate for breast cancer is improving constantly. According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition, “Breast cancer death rates changed little between 1930 and 1989 but decreased by a cumulative 41% from 1989 to 2018”.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says, “Early detection of breast cancer is vital”. Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager for Health Promotion, encourages women to focus on their breast health by being aware of any changes or irregularities, to get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and to go for regular breast screenings. Use what you have learned in this article to spread awareness about breast cancer. Who knows? You could help save a life.
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For more information about breast cancer, please consult the following resources:
For more information about breast cancer, please consult the following resources:
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
Call: 0800 22 66 22 (toll free)
email: info@cansa.org.za
Pink Drive
Call: 011 998 8022
website: www.pinkdrive.co.za
Breast Health Foundation
Call: 0860 288 3343
email: support@mybreast.org.za
10 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 13, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 13, 2022
Rating:
