In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RadX Imaging Partners wish to share some common breast cancer and breast cancer screening myths and facts. Knowledge is power, and the more informed you are, the better you will be in the proactive management of your health.
The following are some common myths and misperceptions, along with the facts you should know:
MYTH: Most women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
FACT: The figures vary, but somewhere between 70% and 86% of all breast cancers occur in women with no known heredity risk. It is true that a family history of the disease does indeed increase your risk. But don’t think you’re in the clear just because it doesn’t run in your family.
MYTH: You can’t reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
FACT: There are some risk factors for breast cancer that you cannot control. These include your gender, age and genetic risk. Other risk factors that have been shown to increase breast cancer risk include having children later in life, using birth control, hormone therapy, alcohol and tobacco use, being overweight and a lack of exercise. Keep in mind, some of these risk factors only increase your risk slightly… therefore it is important to do further research on your own. You can eat a healthy diet which includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, exercise, limit alcohol intake, and maintain a normal weight.
MYTH: Implants, antiperspirants, underwire bras, hair straighteners, caffeine use and living near power lines can cause breast cancer or increase risk.
FACT: There is no scientific evidence that can demonstrate a link between these things and breast cancer risk.
MYTH: Most lumps found in the breast are cancerous.
FACT: Approximately 80% of lumps turn out to be benign, meaning there is no cancer. However, any lump should always be evaluated by a doctor. Our radiologists recommend that any new lumps or changes in your breast tissue should be evaluated with imaging. This may include mammography and/or ultrasound as the initial steps.
MYTH: You don’t need a mammogram if you’re younger than 50.
FACT: Despite the controversial announcement recommending this course of action in November 2009 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology—as well as the vast majority of primary care doctors and gynecologists—recommend annual breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Between 20-23% of all breast cancers occur in women under 50. Women at high risk are encouraged to get a baseline mammogram when they are 30 and possibly younger.
MYTH: Women with larger or smaller breasts are more prone to breast cancer.
FACT: There is no connection between breast size and breast cancer risk. The density of the breast tissue matters more than the size. Dense breast tissue has been proven to be an independent risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Do you have dense breasts? You’ll need a mammogram to find out.
MYTH: You can’t get breast cancer after a mastectomy.
FACT: Although the risk is much lower, you can still get breast cancer after a mastectomy.
MYTH: Having a regular mammogram actually increases your risk for breast cancer.
FACT: Having a regular mammogram does NOT increase your risk for breast cancer. In fact, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that shows a correlation between mammograms and cancer risk due to the very small amount of radiation exposure the test requires.
MYTH: Mammograms result in too many false positives.
FACT: The risk of a false positive is very low. Fewer than 10% of women are called back for a follow-up test. What’s more, newer technology like 3D mammography has reduced unnecessary callbacks by nearly 40% over traditional 2D mammography.
MYTH: All mammography providers offer the same high-quality screenings.
FACT: There are differences in the type of equipment used for screening, as well as the skill and training of the radiologist who interprets your test. The doctors at RadX Imaging Partners specialize in women’s imaging examinations, interpreting more than 20,000 breast imaging studies each year. These include 3D mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and more. In addition, the hospitals and imaging centers with which we are partnered have invested in the latest generations of breast imaging equipment. This combination ensures you are receiving the highest quality screenings and diagnostic examinations every time.
