If you're observant, you've probably already noticed that every Thursday we offer a special article on breast cancer to inform our readers during this awareness month. Today, we're tackling the myths surrounding this disease.
In fact, misinformation does as much harm as the disease itself because it contributes either to trivializing it or to exaggerate its contours. It is more than important at this point to re-establish the reality in the collective unconscious that will allow us to better fight against breast cancer.
Through some statements that we hear daily and which are mostly wrong we will try to disentangle the truth from the false.
- The contraceptive pill can cause breast cancer..
Yes, it is true. Indeed, birth control pills are hormonal treatments and hormones are fertilizers for cancer cells. Therefore, taking birth control pills is a hormonal intake that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
2. The use of deodorant gives breast cancer.
This is not true. In fact, no serious scientific study has shown that the use of deodorants can contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer.
3. Bra gives breast cancer
The Internet and social networks often suggest that wearing a bra is a cause of breast cancer. But just like deodorants, no serious study has shown that wearing a bra is a risk factor for breast cancer
4. Breast cancer is only for women
Wrong! Although quite rare, breast cancer does exist in men.
Because it is still too little known, it is most often diagnosed late.
Mammary glands exist in men but are underdeveloped. This is why he can also be affected by breast cancer. The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in men are the same as in women.
Visit breast cancer what you need to know about?
5. Weare bound to die of breast cancer
Not true! ... Nearly 88% of women who have breast cancer are still alive after 5 years and lead a completely normal life. The good news is that the cure rate is increasing thanks to improved treatments and early detection of the disease.
6. Mammography prevents breast cancer.
Mammography does not prevent breast cancer. But it does allow for the detection of tumors at an early stage and thus increases the chances of recovery.
7. Breast cancer is an old person's disease
In the collective imagination, having breast cancer only happens to people of a certain age. This is completely false. Any person of any age can get breast cancer if they develop certain risk factors.
8. The fact that someone in my family has or had breast cancer implies that I would have it too.
There are genetic (inherited) tendencies for many forms of cancer. However, the most common cancers are not genetically related.
Also, even if cancer is hereditary, it doesn't mean you will get it. On the other hand, the fact that no one in your family has had breast cancer does not mean that you are safe as long as you have risk factors.
9. I have small breasts, so I am less likely to develop breast cancer.
Breast size is determined mostly by the fat component, whereas cancer usually develops in the glands or ducts. The quantity of glands and ducts is roughly the same for all women. Therefore, a woman with small breasts is just as likely to develop breast cancer as a woman with large breasts. It is important to remember that men are also at risk for breast cancer.
10. Can alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. Even low alcohol consumption (just over 1 drink per day) can increase the risk of cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
11. Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer
A healthy weight, combined with a healthy and balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer by 30%.
Excessive abdominal circumference, due to localized fat, also increases this risk, even at a healthy weight. Increased body weight in adulthood can also increase risk, especially for breast cancer after menopause. Avoiding overweight and obesity, and achieving or maintaining a healthy weight in adulthood, is essential to reducing the risk of developing certain cancers.
12. Breastfeeding protects mothers from breast cancer
Women who breastfeed their babies for an extended period of time will have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not breastfeed. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the more protected she is from breast cancer. Experts recommend that you breastfeed for at least 1 year after each birth. For every 12 months you breastfeed, you lower your risk by about 4%.
The mechanism of the protective effect of breastfeeding is not completely known. The beneficial effects may be explained by changes in breast structure and reduced exposure to certain hormones during the mother's life.
While some ideas are hard to get, it is up to each of us to make sure that our certainties are not based on legends or hearsay. Because information saves lives and not making it available puts our sisters, mothers, daughters, wives and even men at much greater risk for this disease. Breast cancer is not just our business in October because it strikes every other day of the year. Let's stay aware.
By Mélika Tchiakpe & Jolyane Rodriguez
EN 
FR 