Uncovering the Misconceptions About What Causes Breast Cancer

You have probably seen advertisements like this that pop up on websites and on social media. Attention-catching titles and graphics with shocking information can cause a lot of worry and anxiety to health-conscious readers and viewers.

However, many of these advertisements are often inaccurate and not based on credible scientific research. Some of them, like the one above, use a mixture of both correct and incorrect information to mislead readers to certain conclusions. Many advertisements like this take advantage of the worries and vulnerabilities of readers, especially when it relates to such a serious health concern as cancer, to achieve goals that are often profitable in some way. Therefore, it is important to obtain information from credible sources backed by proper scientific evidence and studies. This page contains a few common myths and misinformation about what causes breast cancer.

Rumors have spread through viral emails and social media posts that using underarm antiperspirants and deodorants will lead to breast cancer due to their chemical and aluminium content. However, recent and past studies have shown that there is no strong evidence that using underarm antiperspirants causes breast cancer. While there are levels of association between antiperspirant use and elements found in breast cancer tumors, the evidence is weak and inconclusive that antiperspirant use will cause breast cancer.

In 2013, the Dr. Oz Show released a story entitled “Why You Should Keep Your Cell Phone Out of Your Bra” which told the story of a 21-year-old woman who believes she got her breast cancer at the young age of 21 because she had a habit of putting her phone in her bra. The segment caused a stir and spread fear among many of his female viewers that keeping cell phones near the breast or in bras may cause breast cancer due to the radio waves produced and received by the phone. However, there is currently no evidence that radio waves from phones cause cancer or increase the risk of getting cancer. Unlike high-energy radiation, like that of X-rays during medical diagnoses and procedures, the radio waves from phones are low-energy radiation (non-ionizing radiation) which currently has no links to causing cancer as they are too weak to break any chemical bonds and change any DNA which is necessary for cells to become cancerous.

For years, there have been persistent suggestions in the media that wearing bras may be a risk factor for breast cancer. It was first popularized in 1995, when a book by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer entitled Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras was published. Like many other sources, it was based on the claim that bras disrupt lymph circulation and drainage which leads to the build-up of waste and toxins in and around the breast, and through unclear mechanisms, leads to breast cancer. To dispel these myths, wearing bras neither causes breast cancer nor increases the risk of getting it. Most studies show no evidence of a link between wearing bras and increased breast cancer risk. In fact, a study that analyzed breast cancer risk after axillary lymphadenectomy (dissection of a lymph node as referred to by these claims) found no increased risk for breast cancer, refuting the claim that restricting lymph circulation causes cancer.

Abortions, whether spontaneous or induced, have been claimed to increase the risk of breast cancer. While some retrospective studies in the past have suggested some links between abortion and breast cancer, they have often had design limitations that could have affected the results. Larger prospective studies that were better designed have consistently shown no association between the two and did not support the claim that abortions or miscarriages caused or increased the risk of breast cancer. Currently, most of the public health organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute do not support the claim that induced or spontaneous abortions increase breast cancer risk.

In today’s world, it’s easy to come across false information. However, it’s crucial that you do not let yourself be misled. Always seek advice from a medical professional to ensure your well-being. It’s important to stay informed on the latest developments regarding breast cancer to make educated decisions about your health.