10 Myths About Breast Cancer

Myth 1: Having a risk factor for breast cancer means you'll develop the disease.

Some risk factors appear to increase your risk only slightly. They include smoking, drinking (more than five alcoholic drinks per week year after year), getting your first menstrual period before age 12, continuing to have periods after age 50, and not having your first full-term pregnancy until after age 30.

Abnormalities in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are very strong risk indicators. But 20 to 60 percent of women with these inherited abnormalities will not develop breast cancer.

Myth 2: If there is no breast cancer in your family, then you're not at risk for the disease.

Every woman and some men are at risk for breast cancer. About 85 percent of women who develop the disease don't have a family history. That's why it's important for all women to have regular screenings.

Myth 3: Breast cancer is passed only from your mother, not your father.

Breast cancer genes can be inherited from your father's side of the family. So ask relatives about cases on both sides and in both men and women.

Myth 4: No matter what your risk factors are, you really don't have to worry about breast cancer until you're through menopause.

The odds of getting the disease do increase with age. But breast cancer can occur at any age. That's why all women need to be vigilant.

Myth 5: Wearing a bra or using antiperspirants and deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer.

There's no scientific proof that these claims are true.

Myth 6: If you have small breasts, you're much less likely to get breast cancer.

Size doesn't matter. Any woman with breasts can get it.

Myth 7: Research shows that using hormone therapy (HT)—even for a short period of time—causes breast cancer.

HT combining estrogen and progestin increases risks of invasive breast cancer slightly. But this risk appeared to return to normal 6 months after women stopped using the therapy.

No studies have found a boost in breast cancer risk for women using estrogen-only therapy.

Myth 8: Eating high-fat foods and dairy products boosts your risk.

The majority of studies focusing on women in the US haven't found a solid link between dietary fat consumption and breast cancer risk. However, postmenopausal obesity is a risk factor that does put you at risk for breast and other cancers, so it pays to maintain a healthy weight.

As for dairy products, the study results are mixed.

Myth 9: Mammograms can prevent breast cancer.

A 2003 Harris survey of more than 500 women found that about 30 percent thought mammograms could prevent breast cancer. The truth: While mammograms can detect breast cancer, they can't prevent it.

Myth 10: Some studies actually show mammograms are worthless.

Not true. But you can maximize the benefit of mammography screening by seeking out the best facilities and staff in your area. Look for the radiology center that handles the most breast cancer cases in the region. Go to a radiologist who specializes in reading mammograms.