Dr. Costanza Cocilovo is board-certified in surgery and fellowship-trained in breast surgery. She serves as the medical director of Inova Breast Surgery and she practices at Inova Breast Surgery in Fairfax.
Breast cancer is surrounded by a lot of myths that we often mistake for facts. These misconceptions can influence our daily choices and even prevent us from getting necessary screenings and having conversations with our doctors that could save our lives. Let’s take a moment to debunk some of these myths and separate fact from fiction to empower ourselves with the truth.
Myth No. 1: Certain bras cause cancer.
There is no indication or data to support the myth that a specific bra is associated with increasing someone’s risk of developing breast cancer. The myth was brought about by a theory that underwire bras can cause issues with lymph drainage and swelling of the breasts, which could potentially lead to breast cancer. There is no evidence to support this theory. Women should choose the type of bra that feels the most supportive and comfortable. There is also no data that going without a bra can increase or decrease your risk of breast cancer.
Myth No. 2: Women with no family history of breast cancer are not at risk.
Unfortunately, even patients without family history of breast cancer can be at risk for developing breast cancer. Only about 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic or hereditary, and a majority of breast cancers are non-hereditary. Risk factors for breast cancer include female gender, age, obesity, reproductive history such as age at first pregnancy, age at first menses, age at menopause, and hormone replacement therapy.
Inova recommends that all women between the ages of 40 and 74, including those without a strong family history of breast cancer, obtain a screening with a mammogram. It is important to be cognizant of lumps or any other irregularities that could indicate breast cancer.
Myth No. 3: Breast cancer always shows as a lump.
Breast cancer may not present as a lump, especially during the early stages. There are multiple ways that breast cancer can present itself. Infrequently or rarely, it can be nipple discharge, nipple inversion, or skin changes. One type of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, presents in changes to the skin such as reddening of the skin or skin thickness, which can often be misinterpreted as mastitis. This tends to be one of the more aggressive types of breast cancer. Any changes in the breasts should alert you to get a screening and follow up with your physician to make sure that it is not related to breast cancer.
Myth No. 4: Breast cancer is more common in people who have bigger breasts.
While there is no evidence that supports a correlation between breast size and breast cancer, breast density does play a modest role in breast cancer risk and detection. Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breasts, and it’s something that can only be determined through a mammogram — not by breast size or appearance.
Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and it can make it slightly more challenging for radiologists to detect tumors on a mammogram, as both dense tissue and cancerous masses appear white on the scan. This makes it more difficult to spot potential abnormalities, which is why knowing your breast density can help you to make informed decisions about your screening options.
It’s important for everyone — regardless of breast size — to undergo regular breast cancer screenings.
Myth No. 5: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
There is a common fear that antiperspirants or deodorants can increase the risk of breast cancer, however, there is no data or evidence to support this concern. The chemicals used in these products are not currently linked to breast cancer.
Myth No. 6: All breast cancers are all the same.
Breast cancer is quite complicated. Breast cancer prognosis and treatment options vary immensely. Depending on the type of breast cancer and personal preference, the treatments can involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or endocrine therapy.
There are multiple factors that are used to make treatment decisions including the location of the tumor such as the ducts or lobules of the breast, size of the tumor, stage, and grade. Important factors that can really drive the prognosis of breast cancer are the different receptors (proteins in or on a cell that receive signals) expressed on cancer cells that can help tailor treatment options. Every breast cancer diagnosis must be very specific and personalized. One person’s breast cancer cannot be compared to another person’s breast cancer.
Inova’s Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment
At Inova, we take a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer. Before deciding on a treatment plan, each of our patients meets with our team of breast specialists to discuss all options including breast surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, genetics, and nurse navigators. We offer patients a team-based collaborative approach so that the treatments are tailored to their specific type of breast cancer.
For patient convenience, Inova Schar Cancer provides all patient care in the same location. Inova also provides free support services with the Inova Peterson Life with Cancer Program that can offer holistic cancer care, including support groups, meditation, and yoga. Make an appointment for your screening at Inova. To get a mammogram, call Inova Imaging Services at 571-472-5400.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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