Think you know all the facts when it comes to breast cancer? We answer commonly asked questions.
1. Can bumping or bruising the breast cause breast cancer?There is no evidence that an injury can cause breast cancer, but it might draw attention to an existing lump.
2. Is breast cancer is contagious?
You can’t catch breast cancer. It results from uncontrolled cell growth, but these changes cannot affect another person.
3. Can wearing an underwire bra cause breast cancer?
There is no proof that wearing an underwire or tight-fitting bra increases your risk of breast cancer.
There is no proof that wearing an underwire or tight-fitting bra increases your risk of breast cancer.
4. Can underarm anti-perspirants increase the risk of breast cancer?
This common myth about breast cancer stems from an email rumour circulating some years ago that claimed the chemicals in anti-perspirants cause breast cancer by leading to a build-up of toxins in the lymph glands under the arm. There is no conclusive evidence to support this. The American Cancer Society says a large study published in 2002 found no link between breast cancer risk and anti-perspirant or deodorant use.
This common myth about breast cancer stems from an email rumour circulating some years ago that claimed the chemicals in anti-perspirants cause breast cancer by leading to a build-up of toxins in the lymph glands under the arm. There is no conclusive evidence to support this. The American Cancer Society says a large study published in 2002 found no link between breast cancer risk and anti-perspirant or deodorant use.
5. Can having an abortion or miscarriage causes breast cancer?
Research has shown there is no link between termination of pregnancy – whether abortion or miscarriage – and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Research has shown there is no link between termination of pregnancy – whether abortion or miscarriage – and an increased risk of breast cancer.
6. If there’s no history of breast cancer in my family, don I still need to have mammograms?
People who have a family history of breast cancer are at significantly increased risk of getting the disease, but around 90 per cent of people who develop breast cancer have no family history.
People who have a family history of breast cancer are at significantly increased risk of getting the disease, but around 90 per cent of people who develop breast cancer have no family history.
7. Is it true only women get breast cancer?
Men can get breast cancer too, but it’s rare – about 100 men in Australia develop breast cancer every year. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a painless lump in the breast close to the nipple. Other possible symptoms include a discharge from the nipple, a change in the shape or appearance of the nipple or breast and swollen glands under the arm.
Men can get breast cancer too, but it’s rare – about 100 men in Australia develop breast cancer every year. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a painless lump in the breast close to the nipple. Other possible symptoms include a discharge from the nipple, a change in the shape or appearance of the nipple or breast and swollen glands under the arm.
8. Do young women get breast cancer?
Breast cancer is more common in older women but women of any age can develop the disease. The latest figures from Cancer Australia show that 23 per cent of new breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2009 were in women younger than 50 years.
Breast cancer is more common in older women but women of any age can develop the disease. The latest figures from Cancer Australia show that 23 per cent of new breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2009 were in women younger than 50 years.
9. If I have a lump in my breast is it cancer?
Most breast lumps are benign, which means not cancer. Benign lumps can be cysts (lumps or sacs filled with fluid or other material) or they can be due to normal breast changes associated with hormone changes or ageing. Remember, if you notice a change or something unusual in your breasts, see a doctor as soon as possible.
10. Will I die if I’m diagnosed with breast cancer?Most breast lumps are benign, which means not cancer. Benign lumps can be cysts (lumps or sacs filled with fluid or other material) or they can be due to normal breast changes associated with hormone changes or ageing. Remember, if you notice a change or something unusual in your breasts, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Most women survive breast cancer. The latest figures show that Australian women have an 89 per cent chance of surviving five years after diagnosis and many women live for years after this period.
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