Breast Cancer Prevention Myths and Facts from the Experts
Today, women have a 1 in 8 risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. For men, that risk is much lower at about 1 in 800.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time for everyone to get to know their risk factors and what they can do to minimize their chances of developing breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the result of a multistep process that turns a normal cell into a cancer cell. There is not one cause but multiple contributing factors.
Can certain foods cause breast cancer?
There’s no particular food that causes breast cancer and no breast cancer prevention diet. However, we do know that healthful eating as recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association makes sense.
Can wearing a bra cause breast cancer?
There have been some rumors that bras, especially underwire bras, block lymph flow. Some believe a blockage causes breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society says this is false. After breast surgery, many women avoid underwire bras due to discomfort, but this is not because of a link of bras to cancer. No research has proven bras cause breast cancer.
Can your deodorant cause breast cancer?
Another myth. The American Cancer Society says based on the evidence, chemicals, such as aluminum, in antiperspirants do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer in women and men?
Baystate Health’s Rays of Hope (ROH) has supported researchers delving into finding out what makes an individual susceptible to breast cancer.
“Every woman is at some risk for breast cancer with the biggest risk being her age. Women who are 50 or older account for over 70% of all breast cancer diagnoses. While some risk factors can be reduced simply by lifestyle changes, others cannot be changed. Not everyone with risk factors will develop the disease and many women with no known risk factors still get breast cancer,” said Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, co-director of the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research.
Age is a risk factor for men too. The American Cancer Society says most men with breast cancer are about 72 years old when they’re diagnosed.
Are there breast cancer risk factors specifically for men?
Yes, there are some risk factors men should be aware of.
Men with Klinefelter syndrome are more at risk for breast cancer. The condition causes men to have more than one X chromosome. They also have more estrogen compared to other men.
Taking estrogen-related drugs once used as prostate cancer treatment can also increase a man’s risk of getting breast cancer.
Some testicular conditions, like having a testicle removed, can also increase a man’s risk.
Why is getting screened for breast cancer important?
You can’t guarantee you won’t get breast cancer, even if you do practice these prevention methods. That’s why you should make sure you’re getting screened.
“We do know that women who have regular screening mammograms reduce their risk of death from breast cancer. While noting breast cancer screening does not prevent breast cancer, studies have shown women undergoing regular screening reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 60%,” Dr. Makari-Judson said.
The U.S. Prevention Services Task Force recommends women between ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years Several other professional organizations including the American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network, suggest that screening be yearly. Women at higher risk should get personalized recommendations from their healthcare provider.
Because there are so few cases of breast cancer in men, no screening is done in men except in rare circumstances. There are no recommendations regarding men and screening. Your doctor may recommend a screening if you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk of breast cancer and a condition called gynecomastia which causes enlarged breast tissue.
Men should make sure to be aware of their own body and changes to their chest area. The American Cancer Society says many men don’t notice changes or wait until the lump is very large to see their doctor. That may be why men are diagnosed at more advanced stages than women are.