This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, do what you can to protect yourself from a disease that kills more than 40,000 women and 500 men each year. Unfortunately, the following myths may prevent people from getting the help they need:
- Myth: No lump=no worry. False. Lumps are not the only symptoms, and if you feel one, your cancer may already be at an advanced stage. In a 2023 survey reported by The Ohio State University’s cancer center, fewer than 50% of respondents knew any breast cancer symptoms aside from lumps, such as discharge from the nipple or breast puckering.
- Myth: I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, so I don’t need to worry about it. False. Most of those diagnosed with cancer have no family history of it. Family history simply puts you at greater risk.
- Myth: Only older women get breast cancer. False. While breast cancer is mainly diagnosed in women in middle age or older, 10% of new breast cancer cases were among women younger than 45 according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Only 1% of men develop breast cancer, but they have a 19% higher mortality rate than women since it’s often caught in advanced stages according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
- Myth: My mammogram turned out fine last year, so there’s no need to go back. False. A mammogram is intended to reveal if you have cancer at that moment. According to the American Cancer Society, screening can spell the difference between a 99% survival rate for early detection (cancer limited to the breast) and a 32% rate (cancer has spread to the bones, liver, etc.). Per the guidelines of the American College of Radiology, a woman of average risk should start annual mammograms at 40 years old. Men should consult with their doctor if they notice symptoms.
- Myth: A mammogram is useless because I have dense breast tissue. False. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, mammograms have saved millions of lives. That includes women with dense breast tissue. If you have questions about whether additional imaging (such as an MRI or ultrasound) is advised, talk to your doctor.
If you hear any of these myths shared, contradict them. They are keeping women from the critical screenings they need to stay safe and men from acting on symptoms they might not even realize could be signs of danger.
If you are an Eskenazi Health patient, you can find details on mammograms and other services of St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Diagnostic Breast Center by visiting EskenaziHealth.edu/Health-Services/Womens-Health/Breast-Center. Consult with your primary care provider if it’s time for your annual mammogram, if you notice any breast cancer symptoms or if you want to consider a mammogram earlier than 40 years old due to a family history of the disease.
Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief physician executive with Eskenazi Health Center Grande
