Debunking breast cancer myths

Costanza Cocilovo, MD, FACS is board certified in surgery and fellowship trained in breast surgery. She serves as the medical director of Inova Breast Surgery. Dr. Cocilovo has numerous publications in national journals and surgical textbooks, has presented nationally on topics in breast surgery and has been involved in numerous research projects. She practices at Inova Breast Surgery in Fairfax.

Breast cancer is surrounded by a lot of myths that we often mistake for facts. These misconceptions can influence our daily choices and even prevent us from getting necessary screenings and having conversations with our doctors that could save our lives. Let’s take a moment to debunk some of these myths and separate fact from fiction to empower ourselves with the truth.

Myth #1: Certain bras cause cancer.

There is no indication or data to support the myth that a specific bra is associated with increasing someone’s risk of developing breast cancer. The myth was brought about by a theory that underwire bras can cause issues with lymph drainage and swelling of the breasts, which could potentially lead to breast cancer. There is no evidence to support this theory. Women should choose the type of bra that feels the most supportive and comfortable. There is also no data that going without a bra can increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer.

Myth #2: Women with no family history of breast cancer are not at risk.

Unfortunately, even patients without family history of breast cancer can be at risk for developing breast cancer. Only about 10% of breast cancers are genetic or hereditary, and a majority of breast cancers are non-hereditary. Risk factors for breast cancer include female gender, age, obesity, reproductive history such as age at first pregnancy, age at first menses, age at menopause and hormone replacement therapy. Inova recommends that everyone, including those without a strong family history of breast cancer, obtain screening with mammogram between the ages of 40 to 74. It is important to be cognizant of lumps or any other irregularities that could indicate breast cancer.

Myth #3: Breast cancer always shows as a lump.

Breast cancer may not present as a lump especially during the early stages. There are multiple ways that breast cancer can present itself. Less commoly or rarely it can be nipple discharge, nipple inversion or skin changes. One type of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, presents in changes to the skin such as reddening of the skin or skin thickness, which can often be misinterpreted as mastitis. This tends to be one of the more aggressive types of breast cancer. Any changes in the breasts should alert you to get a screening and follow up with your physician to make sure that it is not related to breast cancer.

Myth #4: Breast cancer is more common in people who have bigger breasts.

While there is no evidence that supports a correlation between breast size and breast cancer, breast density does play a modest role in breast cancer risk and detection. Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breasts, and it’s something that can only be determined through a mammogram—not by breast size or appearance.

Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and it can also make it slightly more challenging for radiologists to detect tumors on a mammogram, as both dense tissue and cancerous masses appear white on the scan. This makes it more difficult to spot potential abnormalities, which is why knowing your breast density can help you to make  informed decisions about your screening options.

It’s important for everyone—regardless of breast size—to undergo regular breast cancer screenings.

Myth #5: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

There is a common fear that antiperspirants or deodorants can increase the risk of breast cancer, however, there is no data or evidence to support this concern. The chemicals used in these products are not currently linked to breast cancer.

Myth #6: All breast cancers are all the same.

Breast cancer is quite complicated. Breast cancer prognosis and treatment options vary immensely. Depending on the type of breast cancer and personal preference, the treatments can involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. There are multiple factors that are used to make treatment decisions including the location of the tumor such as the ducts or lobules of the breast, size of the tumor, stage and grade. One of the important factors that can really drive the prognosis of breast cancer are different receptors (proteins in or on a cell that receive signals) expressed on cancer cells that can help tailor treatment options. Every breast cancer diagnosis must be very specific and personalized, and cannot be compared to another person’s breast cancer.

Inova’s Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment

We take a multidisciplinary approach, where our patients meet with all team members depending on need such as including breast surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, genetics and cardio-oncology prior to deciding on a personalized treatment plan. We offer patients a team-based collaborative approach so that the treatments are tailored to their specific type of breast cancer. We provide all care in the same location to make it very convenient for patients. Inova also provides free support services with the Inova Peterson Life with Cancer Program that can offer holistic cancer care including support groups, meditation and yoga.

Make an appointment for your screening at Inova

Get a mammogram – call Inova Imaging Services at 571-472-5400.