Many people might not be able to separate myth from fact when it comes to breast cancer, perhaps because they’ve never had it, or they are not close to someone who has. As one of the most common cancers, misconception—for example, who can get it and why, or treatment involved—is often spread, especially via social media. 

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.

According to Rwanda Biomedical Centre, approximately 700 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, 14 per cent of whom have breast cancer.

"When the body’s cells are not well-formed, it likely causes cancer in the body. Most of the patients we diagnose have breast cancer, and many people are confused about it, regarding what is fact and what is myth,” says Dr Marc Hagenimana, Director of Cancer Diseases Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

Fighting breast cancer

Oda Nsabimana has battled breast cancer for 18 years now, and says cancer can be a chronic (ongoing) illness.

 "I was diagnosed with the disease in 2003, when I found out that I had it, doctors never really explained the cause, but I started treatment and eventually, they had to remove my breast. I take prescribed medicines from the doctors, and have been doing so since I was diagnosed, it has been fine so far,” she says.

Some of the information is not scientifically proven, the best thing to do is to go to a doctor when you feel concerned, she adds. 

Nsabimana says that it is important to understand that while cancer may never fully go away, if detected early and with treatment, one can go on living.  

"It is very hard for someone to learn that they have cancer, and it is also hard for the people close to them because they feel like you are already dead.

"When I was diagnosed, people thought I was dying, but what helped me through the journey was prayer. I remember when I first got my results, I went to church crying, and from there, I found support from the people I prayed with. I also had support from my little sister who was there to comfort me,” she adds.

Nsabimana says that the thought of raising her children, now all grown up, gave her strength to accept it and fight. 

Fact vs myth

Dr Hagenimana says that there are many factors that can cause cancer, and some notions could have some truth, except they are not yet scientifically proven.

"Every woman at least 35 years and above is advised to go for a monthly breast and clinical examination, or they should feel their breasts for any lump. And if they suspect one to be there, they should visit the nearest hospital and ask a doctor to examine them,” he says. 

"Breast cancer can be hereditary, if you had a person in your family with breast cancer, there is a 10 per cent chance that you could get it. But other factors are also present, for example, people above 50 have high chances of breast cancer and we can’t prevent that from happening,” he says.

In the article ‘Cancer myths vs. facts’ published by breastcancer.org, an online community poll was organised to ask people what they find to be the most persistent myths about breast cancer that need correcting. Here are some myths and facts:

MYTH: If one doesn’t have a family history of breast cancer, they won’t get it.

FACT: Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.

Many people think of breast cancer as an inherited disease. But only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, meaning they’re caused by abnormal changes (or mutations) in certain genes passed from parent to child.

MYTH: If one maintains healthy weight, exercises regularly, eats healthy, and limits alcohol, they don’t have to worry about breast cancer.

FACT: Although these behaviours can help lower breast cancer risk, they can’t eliminate it.

MYTH: Wearing a bra can cause breast cancer.

FACT: There is no evidence that bras cause breast cancer.

The theory was that wearing a bra, especially an underwired style, could restrict the flow of lymph fluid out of the breast, causing toxic substances to build up in the tissue. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.

MYTH: Using an underarm antiperspirant can cause breast cancer.

FACT: There is no evidence of a connection between underarm antiperspirants and breast cancer, but the safety of antiperspirants is still being studied.

MYTH: Carrying one’s cell phone in the bra can cause breast cancer.

FACT: There is no evidence of a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of cell phones is still being studied.

MYTH: Early-stage breast cancer rarely recurs.

FACT: Even with early-stage breast cancer, there is always some risk the cancer will return.

Many people believe that early-stage breast cancer — cancer that hasn’t moved beyond the breast and underarm lymph nodes — has almost no chance of recurring, or coming back. Although most people with early-stage breast cancer won’t have a recurrence, the risk never goes away completely.

"In early stages of breast cancer, 95 per cent of people can get cured and can be controlled, but getting diagnosed before it reaches all body parts is advised so you can get treatment as soon as possible,” says Hagenimana. If breast cancer is examined and treated early, it is survivable.