BREAST cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Globally, one woman is diagnosed every 15 seconds, and more than six women die of the disease every five minutes.
Despite its huge impact on women's health, screening and early detection remain challenges, and myths and misconceptions about this disease add to these hurdles.
Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre consultant oncologist Dr Malwinder Singh addresses some of the myths.
ONLY OLDER WOMEN GET IT
The risk of breast cancer increases as people grow older. However, breast cancer can occur at any age. According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry 2012-2016, the incidence of breast cancer in Malaysia increases after 25 years and peaks at 60-64 years. The overall lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is one in 27 women.
IT DOESN'T HAPPEN TO MEN
People think men can't get breast cancer because they don't have breasts, but they do have breast tissue. Hence, it is still possible for a man to develop breast cancer. Their lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about one in 1,000.
BREAST CANCER IS INCURABLE
Any cancer is curable if detected early. The success of cure reduces as the stage increases. Stage 4 breast cancer is treatable. The aim for stage 4 breast cancer is to prolong life expectancy with good quality of life. Some stage 4 breast cancer patients can live up to 5-10 years.
ONLY THOSE WITH A FAMILY HISTORY GET IT
The cause of the vast majority of breast cancer cases remains unknown. However, a few risk factors have been identified. Having a family history does increase the risk. However, only five to 10 per cent of breast cancers are thought to be inherited. The vast majority of patients who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
SUPPLEMENTS REDUCE BREAST CANCER RISK
No study so far has shown that taking vitamins reduces breast cancer risk. A healthy, balanced diet is still the best source of vitamins and minerals.
SOY FOODS CAUSE BREAST CANCER
Studies done have not linked consumption of soy foods to increased breast cancer risk. In fact, evidence suggests it may lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Hence, soy based food can be eaten as part of a healthy diet, both for the general population and people with breast cancer.
SCREENING IS INEFFECTIVE
Screening for breast cancer increases a person's best chance of survival when performed in individuals without any signs or symptoms of the disease. Screening allows for early diagnosis and treatment, thus increasing survival time.
Although breast self-examination is not a screening method, it is still taught to women to raise awareness of breast cancer and empower them to take responsibility for their own health.
Clinical breast examination done in a clinical setting is advocated from the age of 35. This is because the incidence of breast cancer increases from that age in Malaysia.
Mammography may be performed once every two years in women aged 50-74 in the general population. However, depending on the risk factors a person may have, the mammography schedule changes and may be performed as early as 30 years old.
ANTIPERSPIRANTS CAUSE BREAST CANCER
The most common myth regarding this is that underarm antiperspirants, especially those containing aluminum and other chemicals, are thought to be absorbed into lymph nodes and make their way into breast cells, which increases the risk of cancer.
The other myth is that antiperspirants stop underarm sweating, which prevents the release of toxic substances from underarm lymph nodes, increasing the risk of cancer.
However, there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants to subsequent development of breast cancer.
WEARING A BRA CAN CAUSE BREAST CANCER
The most common myth with a bra is that it restricts the flow of lymph fluid out of the breast, causing toxic substances to build up in the tissue. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. A study done in 2014 found no link between bra-wearing and breast cancer.
BREAST PAIN MEANS BREAST CANCER
It is common for women of childbearing age to feel pain in their breasts at certain times during their menstrual cycle. This is common, especially just before their periods. But see a doctor for a breast examination if you are concerned about pain in your breast, regardless of your age.
A LUMP IN THE BREAST MEANS BREAST CANCER
Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancerous. However, if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a doctor for a breast examination. The doctor may order an ultrasound or mammogram to determine if the lump is of concern or not.
Women should take charge of their health by performing routine breast self-exam, establishing ongoing communication with their doctors, getting an annual clinical breast exam and scheduling routine screening.