Discover unknown facts about breast cancer with Meri Sehat. Stay informed for a proactive approach to prevention, detection, and treatment.

Unknown Facts About Breast Cancer

It's a common misconception that if a person does not feel a lump in their breast, they don't have breast cancer.

Introduction

While most of us have an elementary understanding of breast cancer, there are many lesser-known facts that are worth exploring. Whether you&#39;re a medical professional, someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, or just a curious learner, read on to know more about the condition. 
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<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/is-surgery-the-only-treatment-for-breast-cancer">Breast cancer</a> is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting both men and women. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 685,000 individuals died in 2020 due to breast cancer, and 2,300,000 people were diagnosed with the disease<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

Among Asian countries, Pakistan has the highest occurrence of breast cancer, with 1 out of 9 women being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. As per the 2018 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there were 34,066 new instances of breast cancer reported among women in Pakistan<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
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Despite the extensive research done in the field of breast cancer, there are still unknown facts about the disease.

<ol>
	<li>Breast Injury And Cancer</li>
</ol>

Injury to the breast cannot cause breast cancer, but it can cause changes like a bruised lump or scar tissue. This is called &#39;fat necrosis.&#39; And it&rsquo;s often confused with breast cancer on imaging. A mammogram, for instance, displays it as an irregular mass with jagged edges. So, the best way to distinguish between the two is to go for a needle biopsy<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. End of the day, these lumps do not increase the risk of cancer, but treatment is necessary if they persist<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp; 
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<ol start="2">
	<li>Underwire Bras And Breast Health</li>
</ol>

Wearing an underwire bra can sometimes cause discomfort and irritation to the skin under the breast, which may lead to infection or an abscess. Some claim that underwire bras can cause breast cancer by blocking the flow of lymph fluid, but this theory is not supported by scientific research<a href="#accordion">[1[4]</a>. 
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<ol start="3">
	<li>In-Vitro Fertilization And Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

Drugs prescribed during the IVF process stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Since these drugs imitate the effects of estrogen, a concern is that they may also encourage the growth of breast cancer cells with estrogen receptors. This has not been proven yet. However, other factors, such as family history and inherited genes, may be at play, too<a href="#accordion">[1</a>]<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.

Heads up, if you&rsquo;re considering IVF, talk to your doctor about all the possible implications of the treatment. 
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<ol start="4">
	<li>Genetic Mutations And The Risk Of Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

Many people with breast cancer are surprised when they learn about their condition because they have no family history or other risk factors.

Being a woman is the major risk factor for breast cancer. 1 in 8 women in the US develops breast cancer in their lifetime<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

That said, 5-10% of breast cancer cases are caused by genetics, where specific genes are inherited from family members. The most prevalent genetic cause of hereditary breast cancer is a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.

As a thumb rule, every woman over the age of 40 should get a mammogram annually, even if they have no family history of breast cancer. In case of a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, they should discuss screening options with a genetics counselor by the time they turn 30<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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<ol start="5">
	<li>Stress May Cause Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

No evidence suggests that stress directly increases the risk of breast cancer. However, stress negatively affects the overall health, both physically and mentally. While dealing with stress is important, it will not reduce the risk of breast cancer<a href="#accordion">[1</a>]<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. 
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<ol start="6">
	<li>Breast Lumps And Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

Not all breast lumps are cancerous. In fact, the majority of them are benign. They can be caused by certain medical conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and cysts. The fibrocystic breast change makes breasts lumpy, tender, and sore, but it is not cancerous. Cysts are small sacs filled with fluid that can develop in the breast<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>.

Also, if you recently had a mammogram and it came back normal, your chances of a new lump being benign are even higher. Make sure to have any new lumps examined by a healthcare professional<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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<ol start="7">
	<li>Abortion And Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

Abortion is a controversial issue that stirs up strong emotions in people due to personal, religious, and political beliefs. At the same time, breast cancer is a common and serious disease for many women. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that there is a direct link between the two<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>. 
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<ol start="8">
	<li>Nipple Piercing And Breast Cancer</li>
</ol>

There is a false belief that nipple piercing increases the risk of getting breast cancer. A nipple piercing can cause problems, such as infection, blocked milk ducts, nerve damage, and some serious illnesses like HIV and hepatitis B and C due to lack of proper sterilization during the piercing process. However, it does not cause cancer<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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<ol start="9">
	<li>Men Can Get Breast Cancer, Too</li>
</ol>

While breast cancer is more common in women, men can also develop the disease. Therefore, men should be aware of any lumps or changes in their breasts and seek medical attention if they notice anything unusual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it&rsquo;s estimated that almost 1% of all breast cancer cases in the United States occur in men<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>. 
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<ol start="10">
	<li>&nbsp;No Lump, No Cancer</li>
</ol>

It&#39;s a common misconception that if a person does not feel a lump in their breast, they don&#39;t have breast cancer. However, this is not entirely true. Breast cancer can develop without causing any symptoms, and in its early stages, it may not be visible on a mammogram. Thus, regular breast cancer screening is recommended even for women who do not feel any lumps or changes in their breasts.

Other symptoms of breast cancer can include changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or redness. It&#39;s important to be aware of these signs and to seek medical attention if any changes are noticed. 
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Understanding Lesser-Known Aspects of Breast Cancer

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of the disease. This includes:

<ol>
	<li>Exercise And Physical Activity</li>
</ol>

Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which lowers the risk of breast cancer. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended. 
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<ol start="2">
	<li>Healthy Diet</li>
</ol>

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Limit saturated and trans fats, processed foods, and added sugar because they increase the risk of breast cancer. 
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<ol start="3">
	<li>Quit Alcohol Consumption</li>
</ol>

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. It is recommended to quit drinking alcohol and there are several avenues that can be explored by people who need help quitting. 
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<ol start="4">
	<li>No Smoking</li>
</ol>

Smoking is linked to several types of cancer, including breast cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. 
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<ol start="5">
	<li>Avoiding Environmental Toxins</li>
</ol>

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and chemicals, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Avoiding or limiting exposure to these toxins can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. 
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<ol start="6">
	<li>Early Detection</li>
</ol>

Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, can help detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. It is recommended that women begin regular mammograms at age 40, or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. 
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Conclusion

Breast cancer is a complex disease with many unknown factors. However, being aware of the risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Men and women of all ages should perform regular self-examinations and seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their breasts. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>It is important for both men and women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, including changes in the breast tissue, nipple discharge, and lumps in the breast area.</li>
	<li>Breast cancer can occur at any age, although it is more common in women aged 50 and above. All women should perform regular self-examinations and schedule regular mammograms as recommended by their healthcare provider.</li>
	<li>Breast cancer is not always detectable through a mammogram. In some cases, breast cancer may not show up on a mammogram due to the type or location of the tumor. Other imaging techniques, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, may be necessary to detect breast cancer.</li>
	<li>Breast cancer is not always caused by genetics. While having a family history of breast cancer can increase the risk, some women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.</li>
	<li>Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight or obese. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and discuss any concerns with a doctor to reduce this risk.</li>
	<li>Breast cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years. Many treatments are now available, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. An effective treatment plan depends on the type and stage of breast cancer, besides the individual patient&#39;s needs and preferences.</li>
</ul>

[1] 15 breast cancer myths busted. Medical News Today.

[2] Khan NH, Duan S-F, Wu D-D, Ji X-Y. Better Reporting and awareness campaigns needed for breast cancer in Pakistani women. Cancer Management and Research. 2021;Volume 13:2125-2129. doi:10.2147/cmar.s270671 .

[3] Can an injury or blow to the breast cause cancer? Cancer Research UK.

[4] Can wearing a bra to bed increase your risk of breast cancer? Cancer Council.

[5] Farhud DD;Zokaei S;Keykhaei M;Hedayati M;Zarif Yeganeh M; In-vitro fertilization impact on the risk of breast cancer: A review article. Iranian journal of public health.

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