15 ความเชื่อผิดๆ ที่ทำให้ชีวิตเสี่ยง!...มะเร็งเต้านม

Currently, “breast cancer” is considered the most common malignant cancer among Thai women. According to rough statistics from the National Cancer Institute, there are more than 14,000 new patients each year, averaging no less than 40 cases per day, with a death rate of no less than 10 people per day. Due to the severity of breast cancer, misinformation about breast cancer has been widely spread. These false beliefs not only cause panic but also result in people “having a higher risk of breast cancer” if they do not take proper care of themselves. Therefore, to provide guidance for women to properly protect themselves from breast cancer, today we will help clarify the facts with 15 common misconceptions about breast cancer.
<ul>
<li>The bigger the breasts, the higher the risk of breast cancer 
This is a misconception because in reality, “breast size” is not directly related to the chance of developing breast cancer. The reason why people believe that “small breasts have less risk, big breasts have more risk” may be because during diagnostic methods like mammogram ultrasound, larger breasts make it easier to detect abnormalities compared to smaller breasts, leading to misunderstanding.</li>
<li>Deodorant rollers are dangerous and increase the risk of breast cancer 
Current research shows no evidence that “substances” in roll-on deodorants or other deodorant products stimulate or cause breast cells to turn into cancer cells. Therefore, you can be assured that using deodorant rollers does not pose a risk of breast cancer.</li>
<li>Bras… affect the risk of breast cancer 
There are many beliefs about bras causing breast cancer, such as wearing underwire bras causing breast cancer or wearing bras to sleep every night increasing the risk. All these beliefs are false because bras do not affect the chance of developing breast cancer. Many worry that wearing bras compresses breast tissue and causes cancer, but this is untrue. Bras can cause pain, which may cause concern, but in fact, “cancer does not cause pain” and is more likely to be detected as a lump. Therefore, feeling pain from wearing a bra does not necessarily mean breast cancer.</li>
<li>Skin whitening vitamins and products increase the risk of breast cancer 
Vitamins and collagen do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, any substances related to “hormones”, especially “estrogen”, are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer because breast cancer is linked to female hormones, mainly estrogen. Excess estrogen stimulates breast cells, increasing cancer risk. Therefore, skin care products containing estrogen hormones that help brighten skin may increase breast cancer risk. Additionally, oral contraceptives also directly affect breast cancer risk if used continuously for a long time because they contain estrogen.</li>
<li>Silicone breast implants cause breast cancer 
In reality, silicone itself does not directly cause breast cancer. However, some patients undergo breast augmentation without prior breast screening, so they may already have undetected breast cancer lumps. After augmentation, the silicone may push the lump, making it easier to feel, leading to the misconception that silicone implants cause breast cancer.</li>
<li>Mammogram X-ray radiation increases breast cancer risk 
The amount of radiation used in mammogram screening is not enough to cause cancer. However, compared to those who do not receive radiation, those who do have a slightly higher risk. Considering the benefit of knowing “whether you have breast cancer or not”, the benefit outweighs the risk because it allows timely prevention and treatment, increasing survival chances. Therefore, the conclusion is that mammogram radiation may slightly increase breast cancer risk but is worth the benefit and should be done rather than not.</li>
<li>Compression from mammogram machines causes breast inflammation 
During mammogram screening, the breast is “clamped” to position it before X-ray exposure, which may cause pain in patients with less breast tissue, similar to a “pinch”, but it is not severe enough to cause breast inflammation requiring medication. Therefore, there is no need to worry or fear mammogram ultrasound because its benefits outweigh the harms.</li>
<li>Mammogram alone is enough; ultrasound is unnecessary for breast cancer screening 
Mammogram alone may be sufficient for patients abroad because their breast tissue is mostly fatty, making cancer easier to detect by X-ray. However, for patients in Asia, including Thailand, breast tissue is denser, so mammogram alone may not be enough and may miss abnormalities. Therefore, ultrasound helps improve screening effectiveness, clearly showing lumps and aiding diagnosis and treatment.</li>
<li>If you have had a mammogram before, you don’t need to do it every year 
For women without symptoms, doctors recommend starting mammogram screening from age 40 and continuing annually until it is no longer possible. For women with symptoms or palpable lumps, it is recommended to start mammogram combined with ultrasound from age 30 for better screening and early treatment if detected early.</li>
<li>Men are safe and don’t need to worry about breast cancer 
Breast cancer can occur in men as well, accounting for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. Causes include genetics and individual body and hormone conditions. Although men have a much lower chance than women, it does not mean it cannot happen. Men should take care of themselves, observe symptoms, and take preventive measures to stay safe.</li>
<li>Having a family member with cancer increases your risk of breast cancer 
Not necessarily. Other factors must be considered. Although genetics can contribute to cancer, for breast cancer, it depends on the family history, such as the age at diagnosis. If a family member had breast cancer at a young age, under 40, the risk from genetics is higher. If diagnosed at an older age, it may be due to individual body conditions, not genetics. Therefore, whether or not you have relatives with cancer, you can still develop breast cancer.</li>
<li>Breast cysts will eventually turn into breast cancer if left untreated 
There are three types of cysts: simple fluid-filled cysts, cloudy or pus-filled cysts, and cysts with solid tissue inside. The first two types do not increase breast cancer risk but may cause pain or inflammation. Cysts with solid tissue inside have a risk of becoming cancerous and should be biopsied for laboratory examination.</li>
<li>Finding a lump means it is definitely breast cancer 
A breast lump is not always cancer. It depends on size, characteristics, and age when found. To confirm if a lump is cancerous, mammogram and ultrasound can be done. If the lump is benign and small (less than 1 cm), removal is not necessary as it may disappear on its own, but close follow-up with a doctor is advised. Surgery is considered if the lump is larger than 3 cm because biopsy may not fully explain the lump, and removal reduces risk.</li>
<li>Overweight women have a higher risk of breast cancer than thin women 
Obesity directly affects breast cancer risk because fat can convert to estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer risk. Therefore, overweight women and even overweight men have a higher risk than those with normal weight due to higher estrogen levels in their bodies.</li>
<li>Drinking too much soy milk increases breast cancer risk 
Soy milk contains “phytoestrogens,” plant-based estrogens, but the amount consumed normally is not enough to increase breast cancer risk. To increase risk, one would have to consume very large amounts, several liters daily for a long time. Therefore, there is no need to worry that normal consumption of soy milk increases breast cancer risk.</li>
</ul>
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Although the number of new breast cancer cases is increasing, treatment outcomes are among the best, with higher survival rates than other cancers. Therefore, we should not panic over false information but focus on learning accurate knowledge about breast cancer to learn self-examination methods and undergo regular screening when appropriate. Early detection allows for timely treatment and full recovery, enabling a happy life.

Large breasts increase the risk of breast cancer? Using acne medication or taking a lot of birth control pills also increases the risk of breast cancer? Various beliefs about breast cancer, not knowing which are true and which are false. Today

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15 Misconceptions That Put Your Life at Risk!... Breast Cancer

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