The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) said around 30% of breast cancer cases are caused by modifiable risk factors. In other words, simply changing your lifestyle can lower your risk of contracting breast cancer. Sadly, the lack of proper dissemination of information about breast cancer has led to a dangerous rise of unhealthy myths around the subject, especially in the Black community. Although breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer across the globe, it is the leading cause of cancer death among Black women.
Breast cancer detection and treatment technology has advanced tremendously since the 90s. However, not every woman in Black communities knows about these advancements. Some still hold on to cultural beliefs—even outdated ones—because of their deep connection to family and culture. Poverty and lack of institutional support or difficulty in accessing care also contribute to the disparity of breast cancer deaths in Black communities. That is why, sadly, in 2022, an estimated 669,418 deaths from breast cancer were recorded, particularly among low-resource settings—which characterize many Black communities.
One way to bring down the high death rate from breast cancer in Black communities is through enlightenment. Since the eighties, October has been celebrated as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is also called “Pink October” because people around the globe use pink ribbons to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early diagnosis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the theme for the 2024 celebration as “No-one should face breast cancer alone”. In line with the theme, we are informing women about breast cancer myths. Some of the myths highlighted below (which have no scientific backing) often prevent them from getting screened or seeking help—and that must change.
Myth #1: Breast cancer surgery always leads to the removal of the breast
That may be the case in the past but it is no longer true. Modern breast cancer surgery, including breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy, only removes the portion of the breast affected by the cancer. Even when surgery leads to breast removal, there are cosmetic options to replace the removed breast.
Myth #2: Diagnosis causes the cancer to spread
There is no scientific proof that diagnosis and surgery lead to the spread of breast cancer. This statement is false and only contributes to lower screening. Early detection of breast cancer through mammograms remains the best way to save lives.
Myth #3: Women with bigger breasts are prone to cancer
Breast cancer has been reported among women with all sizes of breasts and not necessarily those with bigger breasts. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., while breast density and obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer, larger breasts are not a risk factor. However, the challenge with larger breasts is that self-examination may be more difficult meaning women in this category need to create a screening routine with their physician.
Myth #4: Keeping a healthy weight and lifestyle totally eliminates breast cancer risk
While studies show that healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy, and lowering alcohol intake can lower the risk of breast cancer, it doesn’t totally eliminate it. Genetics and environmental factors beyond the individual’s control can also lead to breast cancer. The overemphasis on lifestyle modifications—while important—is making victims of breast cancer feel guilty that it is their fault which is yet another myth.
Myth #5: It takes a miracle to survive breast cancer
There is a myth in Black communities that it takes a miracle to survive breast cancer because it will always come back, even after surgery. This has led to a large number of victims flooding crusades for healing miracles. While there have been reported cases of people being cured after prayer sessions, early detection will greatly improve your chance of survival.
Myth #6: Breast cancer can arise from breast injury
Men and women in black communities are no strangers to traumatic injuries, usually because they work high risk jobs. However, there is no scientific proof that injuries from blows or car accidents lead to breast cancer. Injuries can lead to the build-up of blood in the breast which can feel like lump. However, injuries to the breast usually heal over time.
Myth #7: Using underarm antiperspirants or deodorants can cause breast cancer
A popular rumor that has become a fact in the minds of many women in Black communities is that the use of antiperspirants or deodorants can cause breast cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports this rumor—and you have no reason not to smell nice.
Myth #8: I can’t have breast cancer because no one in my family history has it
Having a family history of breast cancer victims is a warning alarm that you may have it. However, you can still develop breast cancer even if no one in your family history has it. According to reports, only around 5-10% of breast cancers are inherited. Aging remains one of the biggest risk factors.
Myth #9: Wearing certain type of bra too frequently can cause breast cancer
The bra theory of breast cancer is sometimes propagated in media interviews and blogs all over the Internet. It was widely speculated that wearing a bra with an underwire restricts the flow of lymph fluid leading to the buildup of toxins in the tissue. In 2014, a study was conducted involving 1,500 women with breast cancer and the researchers found no link between breast cancer and underwire bra.
Myth #10: Putting a smartphone in a bra can cause breast cancer
While the debate is that putting smartphones in bras and pockets can lead to breast and prostate cancer, there is no scientific evidence to support that claim. Dr. Oz Show in 2013 further promoted the rumor. For hygiene reasons, it may not be right to put your smartphones in your bra because your hands can be a germ magnet and you can easily transfer the germs to your smartphone and then to your breast. Until more research is available and enough studies to support the claim, this is still a myth.
It is also important to mention that not all lumps are or will lead to breast cancer diagnosis. That is why it is always important to get tested when you observe lumps in your breast during daily examination. Early detection of breast cancer will increase the chance of successful treatment.
Keeping the Black community informed on the facts about breast cancer is crucial in fostering a healthier community. We also encourage everyone in the Black community to take advantage of available resources like free or low-cost screenings like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program by the CDC and Affordable Care Act insurance cover to know the status of their health because early detection of cancer always increases the chances of a positive treatment outcome.
For more reading
https://www.uicc.org/what-we-do/thematic-areas/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-black-women-need-to-know-about-breast-cancer
https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics/myths-vs-facts
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/no-link-between-bras-and-risk
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/index.html