October is the month of spreading awareness about breast cancer across the world. Breast cancer is considered to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and a leading cause of death from cancer. Across the world, 2.3 million women got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and 6,85,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2020. Fortunately, detecting cancer in the breast in the early stages helps start the treatment early with better outcomes and faster recovery.
Even though breast cancer is known by many people, there are several misconceptions about it.
In this blog, we will discuss and debunk the following myths:
Myth #1: Breast cancer is only seen in older women
Fact: Breast cancer can occur at any age. Though most breast cancers have been detected in women older than 50 years of age, 5% of breast cancer have been detected in women younger than 40 years of age.
Women without any risk factors have also been found to develop breast cancer. Therefore, it is generally recommended that all women undergo mammography screening (a general screening test to detect breast cancer) at regular intervals. Any warning signs of breast cancer should not be ignored despite your young age. The warning sign could be a small lump in your breast or noticing discharge from the nipple.
Myth #2: Breast cancer is caused by genetics
Fact: While it is true that family history or changes in your genes highly increase your risk of having breast cancer, almost half of the cases of breast cancer are people who had no other risk except that they are more than 50 years and are women.
All women who have a family history of breast cancer may not develop it. You may not have any genetic history of this disease, yet you may get breast cancer.
People who inherit harmful changes in the genes of BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 have an increased possibility of developing breast cancer. However, the degree of the risk varies from person to person.
Myth #3: Breast augmentation surgery can cause breast cancer
Fact: Breast augmentation surgery does not cause breast cancer.
Breast augmentation results in an increase in the size and volume of the breast. It is a safe surgical procedure performed by Dr. Santosh Bhatia, Director of Vanity Cosmetic Clinic in Mumbai. The most common method of this surgery is inserting a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or chest muscles.
Breast implants neither cause breast cancer nor increase your chances of getting it. If you have breast implants, you need not get them removed for fear of getting breast cancer. Talk to Dr. Santosh Bhatia to discuss your concerns if you wish to have breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Bhatia has done several breast augmentation surgeries successfully and can explain all the risks and outcomes of the process.
Myth #4: Mammograms prevent breast cancer
Fact: A mammogram is a set of x-rays done to examine your breasts for any signs of cancer. Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but they are the best way to detect cancer at an early stage. If your cancer is detected at an early stage, you have better chances of successful treatment and early recovery.
Mammograms are performed:
- When you do not have any symptoms but one or more relatives in your family have had breast cancer
- To diagnose breast cancer if you notice or feel a lump in your breast, discharge from the nipple, or changes in the skin over your breast
It is a routine screening process generally advised for all people above 40 years of age. Discuss with your doctor when and how often you should get your mammogram.
Myth #5: Men don’t get breast cancer
Fact: Generally, people believe that men can’t get breast cancer. They believe that any disease related to breasts happens only in women. Men do get breast cancer though it is rare.
The truth is that men have breast tissue and have as many risks of developing breast cancer as women. If you’re a man, your chances of getting breast cancer increase if you:
- Have someone in the close family with a history of breast cancer
- Have inherited mutated genes
- Have been exposed to radiation
- Are above 50 years of age and have obesity
- Had hormonal treatment
Breast cancer is often detected late in men as they don’t suspect that they could have breast cancer. The tests and treatment of breast cancer in men and women are the same. Usually, doctors recommend mammograms and genetic testing.
Talk to your doctor immediately, if you have signs of breast cancer like a change in your breast size or a lump. The doctor shall provide correct information about breast cancer and guide you for screening and diagnosing tests like mammograms. Do not refrain from getting the benefits of regular screening mammograms, get your breasts checked today!
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Santosh Bhatia
Dr Santosh Bhatia is Mumbai’s most-sought-after Plastic Surgeon. Founder and Director at Vanity Cosmetic Clinic, Dr Bhatia is also associated with some of the best hospitals in Mumbai such as Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital.
Dr Bhatia has a vast global experience working with Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery hospitals in New York, Toronto, London, Chicago, Miami, Pune, and Mumbai.
Dr Santosh Bhatia’s focus lies in performing minimally invasive, state-of-the-art plastic surgeries that yield natural-looking and gorgeous results. He is a cosmetic surgeon with the vision of an artist. Dr Bhatia pays keen attention to details which makes the patient’s transformation graceful and aesthetically pleasing.
Dr Santosh Bhatia has happy patients including celebrities, socialites, and everyday women from all over the world. His surgical skills, experience and high-regard for safety has earned him a reputation not only in Mumbai but all over the world.
“Surgeon’s skill and experience, quality of care, infrastructure and facilities, and your comfort with the surgeon are just as important as the final cost of the surgery"
