Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed annually during October, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about breast cancer, its prevention, and early detection. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screenings, self-examinations, and timely medical check-ups to detect breast cancer in its early stages.

Before we dive into lesser-known facts about breast cancer, let’s quickly review what we already know: breast cancer is the most common cancer in India, surpassing oral and cervical cancers, and is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 

Dr. Kabir Rehmani, Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, emphasizes that “Breast cancer has an excellent outcome (completely curable) if diagnosed early.” He also highlights how screening tools like mammography have revolutionized early detection, significantly improving survival rates. 

Self-examination, combined with timely clinical checks by healthcare providers and regular mammography, has become one of the most effective preventive measures for breast cancer. 

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s explore some interesting facts that might surprise you: 

1. Not All Breast Lumps Are Cancerous 

While finding a lump in your breast can be alarming, the majority of these lumps—especially in younger women—are benign (non-cancerous). However, if you’re over 40, any new lump should be evaluated quickly. It’s also important to remember that breast cancer can still occur in younger women, so vigilance is key at any age. 

2. Only 5-10% of Breast Cancers Are Hereditary 

Contrary to popular belief, most women with breast cancer did not inherit the disease. Family history does elevate the risk, but it’s not a guarantee. If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier and undergo genetic testing. A woman with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who had breast cancer is about twice as likely to develop it. If multiple close relatives have had it, your risk triples. 

3. Breast Removal Isn’t the Only Surgical Option 

Mastectomy isn’t the only treatment choice. Today, there are breast-conserving surgeries such as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, where only the cancerous tissue is removed, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. There are also nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies. Breast reconstruction can often be done simultaneously with breast removal, offering more options to preserve body image. 

4. Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too 

Though rare (0.5-1% incidence), men can develop breast cancer. Risk factors include family history and conditions that increase estrogen levels. The same principles of self-examination and being aware of warning signs apply to men, making early detection equally important. 

5. Breast Cancer Is One of the Most Survived Cancers 

With advances in early detection and treatment, breast cancer survival rates have significantly improved. Survival chances vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but overall, the prognosis is much better than in the past. 

6. Survivors Are at Risk for a Second Cancer 

Breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing a second cancer, either because of treatment side effects or genetic factors like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This is why ongoing vigilance and regular screenings are crucial even after successful treatment. 

7. You Can Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting down on junk food and sugar (to prevent obesity) are important. Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco also play a significant role. Drinking just one alcoholic drink a day slightly raises the risk, while consuming two to five drinks daily increases it by one and a half times. 

Don’t fear a breast cancer diagnosis—early detection makes all the difference. Be proactive, stay informed, and take charge of your health. Remember, breast cancer is curable if caught early. 

Thanks to extensive medical research, we now understand more about breast cancer’s biology and treatment than ever before. Public awareness campaigns have helped educate people about breast cancer, which affects one in six women in India. However, many myths about breast cancer continue to circulate online and even among well-meaning individuals.  

Dr. Sachin Ambekar, Director of Minimal Access Surgery, Surgical Oncology & Medical Director at MASSH Hospital has debunked common breast cancer myths: 

Myth 1: Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history or genetic mutation.   

Fact: Only 10-15% of breast cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2. While these mutations do increase the risk, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known genetic mutations or family history. 

Myth 2: Only women can get breast cancer.   

Fact:  Although breast cancer is predominantly diagnosed in women, men can develop it too. In 2023, around 2,790 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. Male breast cancer is often undertreated, which leads to worse outcomes. Men also have breast tissue, making them susceptible to the disease. 

Myth 3: Only older people are diagnosed with breast cancer.   

Fact:  While breast cancer is more common in women over 50, younger women are increasingly being diagnosed. Over the past five years, diagnoses in women under 50 have risen by more than 2% annually. These younger women often face more aggressive forms of the disease and are diagnosed at later stages, leading to worse outcomes. 

Myth 4: You can’t reduce your risk of breast cancer.   

Fact:  While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, women can take proactive steps to protect their breast health: 

– Undergo a breast cancer risk assessment. 

– Learn your family history of cancer. 

– Understand the normal appearance of your breasts. 

– Eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol, quit smoking, and exercise regularly. 

Myth 5: Mammograms aren’t effective.   

Fact: Mammograms have saved millions of lives by detecting breast cancer early. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment with less invasive options. New technologies like contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and AI-powered thermal imaging further enhance screening capabilities. 

Myth 6: Everyone’s breast cancer is the same.   

Fact: Breast cancer is not a single disease but a collection of diseases with different drivers, prognoses, and treatment responses. Research continues to personalize breast cancer treatment, matching therapies to individual tumor characteristics for better outcomes. 

Myth 7: Breast cancer always presents as a lump.   

Fact: While lumps are a common sign, breast cancer can also manifest as breast swelling, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or a red rash. Many women are diagnosed during routine screenings before symptoms appear. 

Myth 8: Wearing wire bras or using antiperspirants increases breast cancer risk.   

Fact: Studies have debunked these claims. A 2014 study of 1,500 women found no association between bra-wearing habits and breast cancer risk. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence linking antiperspirant deodorants to breast cancer development. 

Myth 9: Eating sugar causes breast cancer to grow faster.  

Fact: No research shows that cutting out sugar shrinks cancer. However, a diet high in refined sugar can lead to obesity and inflammation, which are risk factors for breast cancer. A balanced diet that limits processed sugars is recommended. 

By debunking these myths, we hope to better educate the public and promote proactive breast health.