Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancers that affect women worldwide, however there remains several misconceptions about the disease.

In October of each year, health experts and health organisations observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month to increase attention and promote awareness, early detection and treatment.

Myth: Only women get breast cancer.

Fact: Breast cancer is much more common in women, however men can also develop breast cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 0.5–1 per cent of breast cancers occur in men.

Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022.

Myth: A mammogram can cause cancer to spread.

Fact: A mammogram is considered the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer in women. Despite this, there is a misconception that it may lead to the spread of breast cancer in women.

Research has shown that the benefits surrounding a mammogram far outweigh the risks.

According to the US National Breast Cancer Foundation, during a mammogram, the breast tissue is compressed to reduce the thickness of the breast in order to get high-quality X-ray images. It said neither the compression of the breast required for a mammogram nor the amount of radiation used in a screening mammogram causes cancer or causes cancer to spread.

Myth: Breast cancer is hereditary, so if there’s no family history, I won’t get it.

Fact: While genetics play a role, most breast cancer cases occur in women without a family history. Lifestyle factors also contribute to risk.

Myth: Finding a lump means you have breast cancer.

Fact: Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign (non-cancerous), but it’s essential to get any new lump checked by a healthcare professional.

Myth: Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer.

Fact: Research has shown that there is no direct link between breast cancer and the use of deodorants and antiperspirants.

Myth: Breast cancer only affects older women.

Fact: While the risk increases with age, younger women can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to WHO, roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.

Myth: If you have breast cancer, you will need to have a mastectomy.

Fact: There is a common perception that once a female is diagnosed with breast cancer they will need to have a mastectomy done. This is a surgery to remove the breast. It is usually done to help prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk for it.

Research has shown that there are several treatment options for breast cancer other than surgery which include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.