•Regular screening is crucial because breast cancer doesn't usually manifest as a lump.
•However, a lump does not always indicate that a person has the condition.
As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are various myths that are incorrect in and of themselves. Here, we examine some widespread misconceptions and presumptions to determine whether they contain any kernels of truth.
Breast cancer can develop from wearing a bra
There is no connection between the prevalence of bra use among women and the occurrence of breast cancer. The fundamental misconception is on the idea that underwire bras prevent lymph nodes from releasing fluid when worn.
A noticeable lump is always a symptom of breast cancer
Regular screening is crucial because breast cancer doesn't usually manifest as a lump. However, a lump does not always indicate that a person has the condition. Some myths about lumps' size, form, and amount of pain are unsupported by the available data.
The most important thing is to call a doctor right away if you see something different in your breast, such as a lump.
Breast cancer is always treated in the same way
There are numerous types of breast cancer and a broad range of approaches available to treat them. A large proportion of the dissemination of breast cancer depends on the stage of cancer, what type of tumor is being established, as well as the age and level of hormones.
Too much sugar can cause breast cancer
A diet high in sugar typically causes weight gain and raises the chance of acquiring a number of malignancies. For various health reasons, people should cut back on processed sugar in their diets, although there is currently insufficient proof that it directly contributes to breast cancer.
Yearly mammograms guarantee to discover breast cancer early
As with most mammograms, they are extremely useful and helpful programs, but they cannot guarantee there will never be a false-negative reading. Not all women with results that say everything is fine have cancer, but they do tend to have fewer false negatives.
It’s important to have an annual mammogram, and you should carry out regular checks of the breasts for lumps and any abnormal developments.
Breast cancer only develops in middle-aged and older women
Even though more people in their later years are diagnosed with breast cancer, it can affect people of all ages, including those in their fifties and sixties. Everyone should be doing some kind of personal self-checks for say-anything-there-is and changes in breasts, and also be screened via annual mammography. Like with any cancer, early detection appears to improve your chances of successful treatment and good outcomes.
Breast cancer is mostly hereditary
Even though a woman has a history of breast cancer in the family, that does not mean a particular woman will acquire the disease. But it does mean that women need to look for other factors such as lifestyle changes that mitigate breast cancer risk.
Breast cancer doesn't develop in individuals who are fit and healthy
People who live healthy lifestyles that include staying fit and eating a good diet can still develop cancer. Eating well and being fit may increase the odds in your favor, but it will not completely remove all risks. For example, though individuals will have a healthier lifestyle on average, history tells us that some people will still get cancer.
Lucy Chege is a registered and licensed nutritionist based in Kenya, proficient in medical nutrition therapy. She is also the founder of Nutrition Therapy By Lucy firm.