Busting Breast Health Myths

With so many myths and preconceived ideas on the internet and in our minds, it is often difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Breast, thyroid, and parathyroid specialists Dr Justus Apffelstaedt and Dr Fatima Hoosain help to debunk some common misconceptions about breast health.

MYTH 1: There’s an increase in breast cancer among younger women.

TRUTH: While the number of younger women diagnosed has risen, the increase is relatively small. In reality, most breast cancer patients in Southern Africa and globally are still aged between 50 and 70. However, breast cancer is often missed in younger women due to the lack of routine screening for this age group, which means the disease is usually detected at a later stage. If you have a family history of cancer, it’s advisable to consult a specialist about when to start screening or consider genetic testing.

MYTH 2: Chemotherapy is the most important factor in reducing breast cancer deaths.

TRUTH: Chemotherapy plays a vital role in breast cancer treatment, but it isn’t the primary factor in reducing mortality. The most effective way to decrease breast cancer deaths is a combination of early detection through mammography at specialised centres and treatment by a multidisciplinary team. These teams offer surgery, medical and radiation oncology, and plastic surgery services, with specialists working together to manage the case.

MYTH 3: Drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk.

TRUTH: While alcohol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, are carcinogenic, moderate consumption does not drastically increase breast cancer risk. Some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption, particularly as part of a Mediterranean diet, may even reduce breast cancer risk due to the bioactive compounds in wine. However, excessive alcohol consumption is universally recognised as harmful and significantly increases both the risk of breast cancer and mortality rates.

MYTH 4: All mammograms are equal.

TRUTH: Not all mammograms are of the same quality. The accuracy of mammographic diagnosis depends on several factors:

• The use of optimal imaging equipment.

• Radiographers who specialise in mammography and know how to produce high-quality images.

• Specialists who read mammograms regularly—ideally interpreting at least 2 000 images per year.

• Rigorous quality control, where results are continual.

Therefore, where you get a mammogram matters.

MYTH 5: It doesn’t matter where you’re treated.

TRUTH: Treatment location plays a critical role in breast cancer outcomes. Studies show that women treated in centres that handle fewer breast cancer cases have up to a 60% higher risk of death within five years compared to those treated in high-volume centres. Multidisciplinary centres, where specialists work on more than 150 cases per year, offer better outcomes

MYTH 6: Mastectomy guarantees better survival than breast-conserving therapy.

TRUTH: Removing the entire breast does not necessarily improve survival rates. Breast cancer spreads early in the disease course, and metastasis to other parts of the body, such as the brain or lungs, poses the real threat. In well-run multidisciplinary clinics, about 60% of women undergo breast-conserving therapy, 35% have mastectomies with immediate reconstruction, and only 5% leave without reconstruction.

MYTH 7: Mammograms are painful.

TRUTH: Mammograms performed by skilled mammographers are typically not painful. Relaxing during the procedure helps reduce discomfort, as relaxed pectoral muscles behind the breast can ease the process. While some women may experience mild discomfort, the short-term discomfort is far outweighed by the long-term benefits of early detection.

MYTH 8: Breast augmentation makes cancer detection harder.

TRUTH: Breast augmentation does not increase breast cancer risk, as it does not add glandular tissue. However, after augmentation, it’s essential to have your mammogram performed by an experienced mammographer who knows how to use special techniques to visualize all breast tissue properly.

By dispelling these myths, women can make more informed decisions about their breast health and take appropriate actions to reduce their risk of breast cancer.