If there’s anything we’ve learned about breast cancer over the years, it’s that early detection can make all the difference when it comes to the effectiveness of treatment. However, with that, there are many contrasting opinions regarding mammograms and treatment that can leave many women confused about what the right route is for them and their well-being.
With that, Black women have a 38% higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared to white women. As we watch more and more Black women lose time over treatment misconceptions, including the beloved Ananda Lewis, it’s worth breaking down and debunking all of the myths surrounding breast cancer and mammograms so that you stand the best chance at preserving your health.
Debunking Breast Cancer Myths
Myth 1: “Black Women Are Less Prone to Breast Cancer.”
Unfortunately, this is pretty far from the truth. Black women face higher mortality rates, no matter what the stag,e and are more likely to develop aggressive subtypes, like triple-negative breast cancer. The misconception that Black women are less prone comes from early studies that underrepresented Black patients. Black women are diagnosed less often than white women, yet are 40% more likely to die from it due to late detection, barriers to care, and tumor biology. This is why it’s imperative for Black women to be on top of their early screenings.
Myth 2: “You Have To Be Over a Certain Age to Get a Mammogram.”
Most guidelines typically recommend starting between ages 40–45, though those ages are skewing younger and younger. Women are encouraged to undergo mammograms even earlier, especially if they have a strong family history, are considered high-risk, or carry any genetic mutations.
Myth 3: “Men Can’t Get Breast Cancer.”
One of the biggest misconceptions is that men can’t get breast cancer. Though it’s certainly less common, man and do get breast cancer. Though it accounts for less than 1% of cases, it’s still important to be aware of. Any changes in the chest or nipple area should be checked, regardless of sex.
Myth 4: “Mammograms Can Be More Dangerous Than Cancer.”
This is a pretty dangerous myth, as it can discourage many women from getting life-saving screenings. Mammograms use low-dose radiation, far below harmful levels. The amount is similar to what you’re exposed to naturally over a few months. What’s most important to note is that the risk of radiation is extremely small compared to the life-saving benefit of early detection, which can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 40%. With that, sonograms aren’t typically a standalone screening tool, but can be used for a more detailed look, guide a biopsy, or serve as a supplemental screening tool for those with dense breasts.
Myth 5: “A Healthy Lifestyle Will Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer.”
Eating whole foods, limiting sugar, and regularly moving your body will certainly help reduce your risk of breast cancer, but it won’t completely eliminate it. Breast cancer is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, hormonal exposure, age, and breast density. Even the most active, clean-eating women can develop breast cancer, though it doesn’t mean that those factors don’t help.
Myth 6: “Breast Cancer Is More Common in Bigger Breasts.”
This is commonly thought to be true, but breast size actually has no link to cancer risk. What actually does matter is breast density. Dense breast tissue makes cancer slightly more likely to develop and harder to detect on mammograms.
Myth 7: “Carrying a Phone in Your Bra Can Cause Breast Cancer.”
The internet has gone pretty wild with this myth, but there’s actually no scientific evidence that proves a phone placement near the breast can lead to breast cancer. Cell phones emit non-ionizing radiation, which cannot damage DNA. It’s not the most comfortable, but when it comes to breast cancer, it’s ultimately safe to put your phone in your bra.
Myth 8: “Not All Lumps Are Cancerous.”
This is luckily very true! If you detect any lump in your breast, there’s no need to immediately panic. Every lump calls for evaluation, but most breast lumps end up being benign and can actually be attributed to cysts, fibroadenomas, or hormonal changes. The only way to know for sure is with imaging and sometimes a biopsy.