Demystifying Breast Cancer:

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Separating Fact from Fiction During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place each October, is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection through regular screenings, and provide support to those affected by the disease. During this month, various organizations, foundations, and individuals come together to educate and inform the public about breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

One of the significant challenges in combating breast cancer is the prevalence of myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. These myths can contribute to fear, anxiety, and even misinformation, leading to delays in seeking medical help or pursuing necessary preventive measures.

In this article, we will focus on debunking some of the most common breast cancer myths.

Myth 1: Only Older Women Get Breast Cancer

Fact: While breast cancer is more prevalent among older women, it is a disease that knows no age limits. Breast cancer can strike at any stage of a woman’s life, including young adulthood. The diagnosis of breast cancer in young women can be particularly devastating, as they are often at the peak of their careers, building families, or pursuing their dreams.

Myth 2: You Can’t Get Breast Cancer if It Doesn’t Run in Your Family

Fact: Breast cancer is usually not directly inherited through genes. Having a family history of breast cancer can increase the risk, but most cases occur in women without any family history. Many factors, both genetic and environmental, can influence the development of breast cancer. Some genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with higher risk, but these mutations are relatively rare and account for only a small percentage of all breast cancer cases. Therefore, even if breast cancer does not run in your family, it doesn’t mean you are immune to the disease.

Myth 3: Breast Cancer is Always Painful

Fact: Many women mistakenly believe that if they are not experiencing pain or discomfort in their breasts, they are free from the risk of breast cancer. However, this is far from the truth. One of the most deceptive traits of breast cancer is its ability to develop silently, often without causing pain or discomfort. By the time it becomes painful or symptomatic, it may have reached an advanced stage, making it more challenging to treat.

The presence of the following signs should raise concern:

  • Lumps or Masses: One of the most recognizable signs of breast cancer is the discovery of a lump or mass in the breast or underarm area.
  • Skin Changes: Changes in the skin over the breast, such as redness, dimpling, puckering, or an orange-peel-like texture, can be indicative of breast cancer. These changes may not be painful but should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
  • Nipple Changes: Unexplained changes in the nipples, such as inversion, scaling, crusting, or discharge (other than breast milk in nursing mothers), should be examined by a healthcare professional.
  • Breast Pain: While breast pain is not a reliable indicator of breast cancer, persistent, unexplained breast pain or discomfort should not be ignored. It is essential to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying issues.

Myth 4: If You Have a Lump in Your Breast, It’s Always Cancer

Fact: It’s important to understand that not all breast lumps indicate cancer. In fact, the majority of breast lumps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. While it’s always prudent to take any changes in your breasts seriously and consult a healthcare professional, it’s helpful to know that there are many other potential causes of breast lumps.

One common cause of benign breast lumps is cysts. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast tissue. They are typically round or oval in shape and can feel smooth or rubbery to the touch. Cysts may appear and disappear on their own or fluctuate in size with hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. While cysts are usually harmless, they can sometimes be painful or uncomfortable.

Another benign condition that can cause breast lumps is a fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas are solid, non-cancerous tumors that often occur in younger women. They are typically smooth, firm, and movable. Fibroadenomas are influenced by hormonal changes and can grow in size or become more tender during pregnancy or certain hormonal therapies. Although fibroadenomas are not cancerous, it is essential to have any new or changing breast lumps evaluated by a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis.

Other potential causes of benign breast lumps include breast infections (mastitis), lipomas (soft fatty tumors), and traumatic injuries to the breast tissue. In some cases, hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with certain medications or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to the development of breast lumps.

Myth 5: Only Women Get Breast Cancer

Fact: Although rare, men can develop breast cancer. Men have breast tissue too, although it is typically less developed than women’s breast tissue. Any changes in the breast area should be monitored. These changes may include a lump or thickening in the breast or under the nipple, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge (often bloody), or changes in the skin over the breast area.

When it comes to breast cancer in men, many of the risk factors are similar to those for women. Age is a significant factor, with the risk increasing as men get older. Family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations such as BRCA2, exposure to estrogen, and certain medical conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome or liver disease are also known to increase the risk for male breast cancer.

Although breast cancer in men is relatively uncommon, it is still important to raise awareness and provide education about this topic. Men should be encouraged to understand their breast health, know the potential risk factors, and be proactive in seeking medical attention if any concerns arise. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve the prognosis and outcome for men diagnosed with breast cancer.

Myth 6: Bras with Underwire Cause Breast Cancer

Fact: Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the potential link between underwire bras and breast cancer. The results consistently show that there is no credible evidence supporting the notion that wearing underwire bras increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Myth 7: Deodorants Can Cause Breast Cancer

Fact: Similarly there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer. These products are used by millions of people worldwide, and rigorous scientific research has not established any direct link between their use and the development of breast cancer. Rather than worrying about everyday products, we should focus on known breast cancer risk factors, such as genetics, family history, lifestyle choices, and regular breast health checks. These factors have a more significant impact on breast cancer risk, and understanding and addressing them can contribute to overall breast health and well-being.

Myth 8: Breast Cancer Is A Single Disease

Fact: Breast cancer is not a singular disease but rather a diverse and complex group of different types of tumors. These tumors can vary in their biological characteristics, behaviors, and responses to treatment.

The classification of breast cancer takes into account various factors, including:

  • Receptor Status: Breast cancer tumors can be classified based on the presence or absence of hormone receptors, such as estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These classifications guide treatment decisions and are crucial in determining the most effective therapies.
  • Histology: Breast cancer tumors can have different histological characteristics, which means they can look different under a microscope. For example, some breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas, while others are invasive lobular carcinomas, each with its distinct features.
  • Genetic Subtypes: Advances in genetic research have led to the identification of specific genetic subtypes of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer (negative for ER, PR, and HER2) and HER2-positive breast cancer. These subtypes may respond differently to targeted treatments.
  • Stage and Grade: Breast cancer is staged based on the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The grade of the tumor also reflects its aggressiveness.

Recognizing the diversity within breast cancer is important because different types of breast cancer may require different treatment approaches. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor and the individual patient, taking into account factors like age, overall health, and personal preferences.

Additionally, ongoing research into the molecular and genetic aspects of breast cancer continues to reveal more about the complexity of the disease, leading to more precise treatments and improved outcomes. By dispelling the myth that breast cancer is a single disease, we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, ultimately contributing to better care and outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.

Myth 9: Mammograms Cause Breast Cancer

Fact:  Mammograms, a type of X-ray imaging, are a tool in the early detection of breast cancer, identifying abnormalities that may not be noticeable during a physical examination. However, concerns about the potential risks associated with radiation exposure have been raised.

Radiation can be harmful, particularly at high doses, but the dose used in mammography is extremely low. The level of radiation involved in a mammogram is carefully regulated and tailored to minimize any potential risks. Modern mammography machines are designed to deliver the lowest radiation dose possible while producing clear and detailed images.

It is understandable to have concerns about radiation exposure, but it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. The benefits of regular mammograms far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure involved. Early detection of breast cancer through mammography can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and improve long-term outcomes.

Myth 10: Stress Causes Cancer

Fact: While it is well-established that chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being, including weakening the immune system, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim that stress directly causes cancer.

While stress may contribute to an individual’s overall health, it is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to cancer development. That being said, managing stress and adopting healthy coping mechanisms are still important for overall well-being. Engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health.

Rather than living our lives in fear that stress alone will lead to cancer, it is more helpful to prioritize overall health through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and appropriate cancer screenings. These proactive measures have been shown to have a more direct impact on reducing cancer risk.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that knowledge is power. By dispelling these myths and promoting accurate information, we can empower women to make informed decisions about their breast health. Breast cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease, and understanding the facts is essential in the journey toward prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes.

Beyond Pink: The Other Side of Breast Cancer Awareness and Lessons We’ve Learned From Each Other

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It’s October and the pink frenzy is in full force.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is impossible to miss given the pink ribbon avalanche that arrives each Fall.  While there is no denying that BCAM has played a significant role over the past two decades in raising public awareness of breast cancer, there is  nevertheless growing criticism of its off-balance approach to awareness-raising, with many key messages becoming lost in a sea of “pink-washing.”  Interestingly, some studies have even found that pink branding may actually lead the public to take breast cancer less seriously.

“The biggest issue I have with Breast Cancer Awareness month is that it’s not even really awareness,” writes Elizabeth McKenzie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. “Awareness is mindfulness of all aspects of breast cancer, which to a certain respect, is different for all of us, based on medical differences in disease processes, treatment access, and personal, social-emotional and cognitive processes.”

Much of the criticism centers on breast cancer campaigns which over-sexualise the disease, equating breasts with womanhood and femininity. Rod Ritchie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, points out that “October is a bad time for male breast cancer survivors because the trivialisation and sexualisation of the disease by the pink charities reinforces public awareness that breast cancer is gender specific. Since there’s little attempt to educate men that they need to be aware of symptoms too, we are diagnosed later and have a poorer prognosis. So, how about adding some blue to the pink, encouraging research on us, and screening those with a genetic propensity?”

Over a decade ago on an October morning, I was diagnosed with breast cancer; a double reminder each year of the role this disease has played in my own life.   Looking back, I now see that my view of breast cancer was one-dimensional. Standing today on this other side of cancer I see a broader picture, a richer landscape of many shades beyond pink. This post is intended to provide a truer picture of the lives of breast cancer patients in its many varied hues.  Wherever you are in your experience, whether you are caring for a loved one, recently diagnosed, finished treatment, or living with a recurrence or metastatic cancer, I hope this post will speak to you.

Lessons We’ve Learned From Each Other

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about breast cancer have come, not from my doctors, but from fellow patients. My doctors didn’t tell me about the effect of chemotherapy on my future fertility. I didn’t learn that treatment could damage my heart. And I finished treatment with no clue about late treatment side-effects or the risk of a cancer recurrence.

While valuing her oncologist’s expertise, Catherine Foy, who blogs at My Triple Negative Life, acknowledges that “within the online breast cancer community there will be someone awake somewhere in the world that can provide support and advice. For example, based on someone I followed I got my Vitamin D level checked which was very low and I am now on supplements. Other examples include creating awareness of late treatment side effects and reducing the feelings of isolation that some may experience.”

Liz O’Riordan, a breast surgeon diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer, and co-author of The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer, also refers to the feelings of isolation she experienced during her treatment. “I felt incredibly alone during my breast cancer treatment. I didn’t meet another patient at any of my chemo or radiotherapy sessions. All my advice was from amazing people on Twitter,” she says.  Liz offers this advice to patients undergoing chemotherapy:  “The two best tips I was given to reduce the side effects of chemo were: (1) Drink. Lots. Even when it taste disgusting. Ideally 3 litres a day. Try flavoured water or cordial. Carry a bottle everywhere you go. (2) Exercise. Walk for 30 minutes every day. You’ll hate me for making you. Some days you may have to stop and spit and pant and retch. But do it. You will feel better for it. And they were right. I did feel better.”

Barbara Jacoby of Let Life Happen agrees that we can learn valuable coping lessons from each other. “Whether it is a question of side effects that one is experiencing from a prescribed medication, or questions regarding treatment options or experiences or procedures, if you query a patient support or advocacy group, you are likely to find more answers and information from those who have had actual personal experiences with these issues. There is no doctor or group of medical professionals that has all of the information about real patient experiences and outcomes like any group of actual patients who have dealt with just about anything and everything imaginable on every level,” she says.

Both Catherine and Barbara believe that the information you get online should be shared and discussed with your doctors as the basis of shared decision making (the conversation that happens between a patient and clinician to reach a healthcare choice together).  “I value my oncologist’s advice and experience,” says Catherine, “and would usually discuss with him any new developments that I may have encountered through the various platforms on social media.”

Terri Coutee, a two-time breast cancer survivor, and founder of DiepCFoundation, a non-profit organization providing information on options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, also embraces the concept of shared decision making and wants others to experience it too.  “I have had chemotherapy, radiation, two lumpectomies, a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction using my own tissue,” she says. ”Each of these occurrences was fraught with difficult decisions and hours of research to optimize my own health care plan. I left offices of various health care providers with armfuls of brochures and information to sort through and organize.”

Terri encourages patients to download the Breast Advocate App, a new tool to aid the shared decision making process.  The app was developed by plastic surgeon Dr Minas Chrysopoulo, whose patient population is primarily those affected by breast cancer or at high risk of developing breast cancer. “Shared decision making is an extremely powerful approach to deciding our treatment plans. Simply put, it empowers us and helps us advocate for ourselves,” explains Terri.  “As patients, we owe it to ourselves to embrace everyday conversations with our health care teams,” she says. “The information on the Breast Advocate app is informative, intuitive, and specific to your individual diagnosis or situation. There are treatment options with evidence-based articles to discuss with your healthcare team. It even features a community section. I encourage you to check out the wealth of shared decision-making information and download the Breast Advocate app to your phone.”

Siobhan Freeney, founder of Being Dense, an organization which raises awareness of Breast Density and its associated links to breast cancer and screening, was completely unaware of the issue until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “40% of women have Dense Breasts,” she explains. “A Mammogram is the only way to determine and measure Breast Density.  In Dense Breasts the reliability of screening mammograms can be reduced by as much as 50%.”   When you have a Mammogram, the radiologist reading it can tell if you have Dense Breasts.  Siobhan recommends you should ask for a copy of your radiology Mammogram report and ask if your breasts are dense. “If you have Dense Breasts you need to know and you should ask your Doctor/Radiologist about more personalised screening such as Breast Ultrasound or MRI,” she advises.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: The Other Side of BCAM

Learning about metastatic breast cancer (MBC; also called stage 4, secondary, or advanced breast cancer) from online blogs and social media networks was revelatory for me. MBC is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast — to the bones, liver, brain, or another organ. Even if the cancer is found in another organ, it’s still referred to as breast cancer. Like Beth Gainer, who says, she learned “that anyone who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer is at risk,” I too have found, in Beth’s words, “what the metastatic breast cancer community has had to say has been a real eye-opener.”

MBC has been referred to as a story half-told, the other side of BCAM we don’t hear enough about. As Catherine points out, “For me, breast cancer awareness month is for those who are not yet diagnosed or those newly diagnosed. The pink scene looks to future research and provides good information for those starting or in the midst of treatment. There is less focus on those of us living or dying with breast cancer.”

Nancy Stordahl is unequivocal in her criticism of the failure each October to adequately raise awareness of MBC. “Despite all the pink, all the races, all the pink ribbons, most people still know little or nothing about metastatic breast cancer,” she writes. “No wonder so many with metastatic breast cancer feel left out, isolated, alone and yes, even erased.”

Joanne Taylor, a metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate, is pushing for more information and awareness of MBC.  She created this infographic to show the red flag symptoms of advanced breast cancer.

While metastatic breast cancer is terminal and cannot be cured, because of improved treatments more women are living longer than ever with it. Even so, many misconceptions and lack of information about this diagnosis persist.    “A stranger called Elizabeth Richards contacted me and like many other women she knew very little about MBC, yet the more she found out, the more angry and amazed she became that the illness was side-lined,” says Joanne. “Elizabeth’s view was that as long as metastatic cancer wasn’t mainstream people would not be aware of the limited treatment options available to them. If they knew, they’d demand more.”

One of the biggest misconceptions is that MBC is an instant death sentence. “We thought with BCAM coming up we would do something different to show how people could live well with MBC, so we started the #busylivingwithmets campaign,” explains Joanne. “Elizabeth had the idea, it was positive, it showed what people can do if they have access to drugs and surgery. I was her inspiration! If I can do it, others can as well – if they are given the right options.”

Lessons of Resilience, Connection, and Hope

Cancer can be a lonely and isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. “A friend told me to accept whatever help was offered, says breast cancer survivor Connie Rosser Riddle. “It was her way of saying to quit being Superwoman, that it was okay to be in need, vulnerable. It was best to be specific when folks asked, “What can I do for you?” My answer combined what that person was best at and where I needed help, and that made a good fit for both of us.”

Audrey Birt, diagnosed with breast cancer three times, shares lessons of courage, connection and resilience on her blog.  “Cancer taught me I’m more resilient than I would have believed, it helped make me braver,” she says. “It also taught me that life cannot be controlled. This made me more able to live in the moment, and for the moment.  That’s probably not so good for my bank balance but it’s great for my life balance in a way. It taught me to reengage with writing through my blog and in a funny way it changed my life and connection to others. But it also taught me my fragility and that’s a lesson I’m still learning, one day at a time.”

Ultimately however, the lessons you learn will be unique to you. “There is not a single person, story, book, lecture or talk, which will teach us all we need to know to understand the impact of cancer on our lives. That’s what we have to figure out for ourselves when we go through our own cancer experience,” says therapist, Karin Sieger . “Having been diagnosed twice with breast cancer all I can say is try and stay open minded – to your body, the illness, treatment options. You always have choices. Don’t get stuck in fear and don’t get stuck in complacency either. Live your life to the best of your ability and stay true to who you are – with or without cancer.”