Myth Only older women get breast cancer.
Risk does rise with age, but breast cancer can occur at any age. Knowing your family history and paying attention to changes in your body matters at every age.
Breast Cancer: Myth vs. Fact
There's a lot of misinformation surrounding breast cancer. Learn the facts behind ten common myths and misconceptions to make more informed decisions about your breast health.
Myth If no one in your family has had breast cancer, you have no risk.
About 85% of breast cancers happen in people with no family history at all. Family history raises risk, but it isn't the only cause — most cases occur in people without it.
Fact Men can get breast cancer too.
Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer, though it's rare — fewer than 1% of cases occur in men.
Fact Most breast lumps turn out not to be cancer.
About 80% of breast lumps are benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. Still, any new or changing lump should always be checked by a doctor.
Myth Wearing an underwire bra can cause breast cancer.
There is no scientific evidence linking bra style or underwire to breast cancer risk.
Myth Using deodorant or antiperspirant can cause breast cancer.
No credible research supports this claim. It remains one of the most persistent myths about the disease.
Fact Regular mammograms can find cancer before it can even be felt.
Mammograms can detect changes years before a lump is noticeable, often leading to more treatment options and better outcomes. Talk to your doctor about the screening schedule that's right for you.
Fact Dense breast tissue can make it harder to spot cancer on a mammogram.
Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, the same as tumors can, which may hide a cancer. Many states now require patients be notified if they have dense breasts.
Fact Healthy habits like staying active and limiting alcohol are linked to lower risk.
They can't guarantee prevention, but regular physical activity and limiting alcohol are both associated with lower breast cancer risk.
Myth If you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change, you will definitely get breast cancer.
BRCA mutations significantly raise lifetime risk, but they do not guarantee that a person will develop cancer. Genetic counseling can help you understand your personal risk.
Sources listed in the original guide: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
