Injuries to the breast do not cause breast cancer.

Injuries caused by car accidents or a blow to the body, for instance, can lead to pain, bruising, or bleeding, which may result in a build-up of blood in the breast, known as a hematoma. Additionally, fat necrosis, or scarring of the breast tissue, can occur following an injury, surgery, or biopsy. Generally, these injuries will heal on their own with time; if you are having a mammogram performed following an injury, however, this may entail additional imaging.

Occasionally, a breast cancer diagnosis may follow an injury, simply because the injury drew attention to a breast lump that had formed previously. However, the injury did not cause the cancer—the cancer was already there. If you know you have scar tissue from a previous injury or have recently suffered a breast injury, let your doctor know prior to your next mammogram.

It is also a good idea to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing breast pain, a recent injury, swelling, change in the skin on or around your breast, or anything that is out of the ordinary for you.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
The New York Times
Medical News Today

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There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk, although it can sometimes be more challenging to examine larger breasts. Obesity and breast density, on the other hand, can both increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, family history and lifestyle factors can also influence the odds of getting breast cancer.

Women with larger breasts are more likely to report back pain, but this is not a risk factor for breast cancer.

No matter what your breast size, it is important to conduct regular breast self-exams, attend annual check-ups with your healthcare provider, and receive annual mammograms if you are age 40 or older. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can also support overall health while reducing the risk factors for breast cancer.

Sources:
University of Utah Health
Rethink Breast Cancer

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While most cases of breast cancer do occur in middle-aged or older women, a breast cancer diagnosis can happen at any age or any time.

About 9% of new breast cancer cases in the United States are found in women under age 45, and these cases are more likely to be found at a later stage, according to the CDC.

Overall, women in the United States have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. However, the risk of developing breast cancer does increase with age. It is important to understand risk factors for breast cancer, early signs and symptoms, as well as to make and keep regular mammogram and doctor’s appointments.

In addition, women who have a mother, daughter, or sister (a first-degree relative) with breast cancer should begin screening 10 years before the age of diagnosis for that relative. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, you should start receiving annual mammograms at age 33. Regardless of your age or risk factors, it is always smart to focus on breast health and regular screenings.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
American Cancer Society

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Interestingly, breast pain is usually not a sign of breast cancer, though it should not be ruled out completely. 

The most common symptom of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is a new breast lump, though most lumps themselves are not cancerous or painful. Other potential breast cancer symptoms can include swelling, changes in the nipple or skin, discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and, occasionally, breast or nipple pain. It is also important to remember that many of these symptoms can also be signs of benign (non-cancerous) issues. Likewise, breast pain can result from anything from an unsupportive bra to hormones, an injury, or even water retention.

But remember: Even though breast pain isn’t usually a symptom of breast cancer, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be a symptom. All breast changes, including breast pain (especially focal pain that is located in one area of the breast and doesn’t go away), should be reported to your medical doctor as soon as possible.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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While sugar isn’t known for its health benefits, it does not cause breast cancer. Many doctors and health experts encourage patients to reduce or limit sugar intake because it is addictive and can contribute to mood swings, obesity, and illness. Weight gain and obesity, in particular, are risk factors in developing breast cancer and many other types of cancers; however, sugar itself does not make cancer develop or help tumors grow, as some myths hypothesize.

Eating too much of any food can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and health issues, which can in turn increase breast cancer risk, but there is no direct link between sugar and breast cancer. Consuming sugar in moderation as part of a healthy diet does not cause breast cancer.

In a nutshell, it is never a bad idea to cut back on sugar consumption, but it shouldn’t be blamed for a breast cancer diagnosis. The best forms of sugar are the natural ones found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, since they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to avoid or reduce sugar in the form of sweetened drinks, desserts, and sauces and dressings, which often come with hidden sugars in the form of fructose, lactose, sucrose, maltose, or glucose.

If you are a breast cancer patient looking for nutrition tips, download our free Nutrition Care eBook.

Sources:
WebMD
American Cancer Society
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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While carrying your cell phone in your bra may not be the most comfortable choice, it does not cause breast cancer. Studies on mobile phone signals have shown no link between phone use and cancer, though scientists continue to monitor cell signals for potential longer-term impacts. You might also be pleased to know that brain and nervous system cancers have not changed in frequency, even as cell phone usage has ramped up among all age groups.

Nevertheless, to prevent potential skin burns or other issues, it’s ideal to keep your bra for its intended use and carry your mobile phone in a bag, purse, or pocket.

Sources:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

The post Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer appeared first on National Breast Cancer Foundation.

There are many different types of breast cancer—which are determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancer—and each type has different features and considerations. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), for instance, is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 70-80% of all breast cancer diagnoses in women and men.

Other types of breast cancer include inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, among others.

Depending on the type of cancer and your individual circumstances, treatment, side effects, and prognosis will vary. While breast cancer might seem like a one-size-fits-all diagnosis on the outside, every type of cancer is different, which is why it is essential to learn as much as you can if breast cancer affects you or someone you love.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
Mayo Clinic
Cancer Treatment Centers of America

The post Myth: All breast cancers are the same appeared first on National Breast Cancer Foundation.

No matter what the type of bra, bras do not cause cancer. Decades ago, there was a rumor that underwire bras restrict the lymph fluid of the breast, which could lead to breast cancer. But there is no evidence to support that wearing an underwire bra or any other type of clothing leads to breast cancer. There is also no evidence to support the idea that going braless reduces the risk of breast cancer. 

However, bras that do not fit well can cause discomfort and swelling. Ultimately, it is important to find a bra that fits well and suits your lifestyle, whether you prefer underwires or not.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
American Association for Cancer Research
National Center for Health Research

The post Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer appeared first on National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast that is new or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam. He or she may possibly order breast imaging studies to determine if this lump is of concern or not. 

Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine screening  mammograms.

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Men can get breast cancer, too. This year, it is estimated that approximately 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 530 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians. 

Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola. Men carry a 19% higher mortality rate than women do, primarily because awareness among men is lower and men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, leading to delays in seeking treatment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Cancer Institute (NCI)

The post Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only appeared first on National Breast Cancer Foundation.

A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. During a mammogram, the breast tissue is compressed to reduce the thickness of the breast in order to get high-quality x-ray images. Neither the compression of the breast required for a mammogram nor the amount of radiation used in a screening mammogram causes cancer or causes cancer to spread. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, the benefits of early detection of breast cancer through mammography far outweigh any potential risks.

The standard recommendation is an annual mammogram screening for women beginning at age 40. However, talk to your healthcare provider about any breast cancer risk factors you may have to determine if you should start receiving mammograms before age 40.

National Breast Cancer Foundation provides free mammograms through our partner facilities via our National Mammography Program. Search for a partner facility and schedule a free mammogram today.

Source:
National Cancer Institute (NCI)

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While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistically, only about 5-10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.

However, there are things you need to be aware of regarding breast cancer family history.  

• If you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer: If you have a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer below the age of 50, you should consider some form of breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis. For example, if a mother is diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, her daughter should begin receiving screening mammograms at the age of 33. 
• If you have a second-degree relative with breast cancer: If you have had a grandmother or aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk increases slightly, but it is not in the same risk category as those who have a first degree relative with breast cancer. 
• If you have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or if there are several individuals who are first degree relatives to one another, or several family members diagnosed under age 50, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene contributing to the cause of this familial history. If this is the case for you, doctors recommend getting tested for breast cancer gene mutations, such as the BRCA gene.

Source:
American Cancer Society

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You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begins to spread into other tissues within the breast. While breast cancer is not usually preventable, you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.

Source:
American Cancer Society

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Not every woman who has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast or ovarian cancer, but having a gene mutation puts you at an increased risk for these cancers. About 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old.”

For people who discover they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, there are various proactive measures that can be done to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, such as taking hormone therapy or various surgical interventions. Talk to your healthcare provider about the options that may be available to you.

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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According to the American Cancer Society, there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer: “There are no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim.”

Source:
American Cancer Society

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