Authored by Dr. Rabbia Khan
If you have any breast concerns or issues, get it checked, rule it out.
We take a look at some common myths or questions that often get asked in a doctor's consultation room.
Dr. Rabbia Khan, General and Breast Surgeon at Mediclinic City Hospital, discusses these common queries to re-enforce the importance of annual checks and screening for the early detection of breast cancer.
Breast cancer, when detected early, have a higher chance of treatment and can be cured.
Myth 1: Pressing on a cancer will encourage it to spread.
Myth #1: "If I have cancer and I do mammogram it will squash my cancer and it will spread throughout my body."
What's the truth?
Cancer does not spread by pressing on it. However, it has its own growth pattern. Cancer can approach the vessels nearby and from there it can get access to the rest of the body.
Myth 2: A biopsy will cause the cancer to spread or reawaken a lump.
Myth #2: If I do a biopsy, it will spread the cancer or even awaken a sleeping lump.
What's the truth?
Core biopsy needle is an innovative technique for biopsies in which the needle is covered, it opens up only in the lump that needs to be biopsied hence protecting the surrounding tissues.
Once the sample is collected from the lump – the needle closes and protected within its cover and safely pulled put by the radiologist.
Myth 3: Black bras and wired bras can cause cancer.
Myth #3: Wearing black bra or a wired bra will cause cancer.
What's the truth?
It's not proven medically that cancer can happen with wired or different colored bras.
However, it is very important that women and young ladies wear a well-supported bra and maintain hygiene to avoid other breast infections.
Myth 4: Deodorant in the armpit will cause cancer.
Myth #4: Deodorant in the armpit will cause cancer.
What's the truth?
There are no researches done to prove that deodorants cause cancer. However, they do show as calcifications in mammograms and hence we ask patients to not wear any lotion, deodorants or perfumes while coming in for mammograms.
Myth #5: Radiation exposure with mammogram is very high.
What's the truth?
Mammogram does have ionizing radiation, but low levels are used for other radiography. Multiple studies have concluded that the benefits of mammogram outweigh the risks.
Myth 6: Mammograms will hurt.
Myth #6: Mammograms are painful.
What's the truth?
Not anymore! With new machines and advanced technology, the radiographers will ask you while applying pressure and will make sure that you are comfortable. Let’s call it discomfort rather than pain.
Myth 7: If the mammogram is clear, it means I don't have breast cancer at all.
Myth #7: "If my mammogram is clear, that’s means I am clear from having breast cancer as well."
What's the truth?
Though keeping up with your mammograms are essential, they don’t always spot all types of breast cancer. When dense breast tissue is present, it is more likely for cancer to be hidden by the tissue.
For those with dense breasts, your doctor might also suggest a breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
Myth 8: If a mammogram from last year came up normal, I don't need to take another one.
Myth #8: "I had a normal mammogram last year, so I don’t need another one this year."
What's the truth?
Mammography is detection, not prevention. Having a normal mammogram is great news, but it does not guarantee that future mammograms will be normal.
Having an appropriate breast screening, either a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI as per your individualized treatment schedule, planned by your physician increases the chance of detecting the cancer when it is small and when it is most easily treated which also improves survival.