10 Breast Cancer Myths You Need To Stop Believing, According To A Breast Surgeon

Breast cancer is one of those health topics that can feel a little intimidating to talk about, especially when you're in your 20s or 30s and think it's something you won't have to worry about for years. Add the endless health advice circulating online, and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. From claims that underwire bras can cause cancer to the belief that a breast lump automatically means the worst, there's plenty of misinformation that deserves a fact-check.

While some of these myths might seem harmless, believing them can affect how you approach your breast health, including whether you seek medical advice when something feels off. And while not every breast change is a sign of cancer, knowing what to look out for and when to get checked can make a real difference.

To help clear things up, we asked Dr. Aldine Astrid A. Basa, Breast Surgeon and Head of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital's Breast Center of Excellence, to debunk common breast cancer myths and explain what you actually need to know. Keep reading to learn more:

Family history is an important breast cancer risk factor, but it isn't the only one. Not having a parent or relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer doesn't mean you're automatically in the clear.

"Only 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, so most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history," Dr. Basa explains. Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, with breast cancer can increase your risk, although it doesn't guarantee that you'll develop the disease.

Breast cancer is more common as people get older, but women in their 20s and 30s can develop it, too. Dr. Basa advises younger women to familiarize themselves with what's normal for their breasts and pay attention to new or persistent lumps, nipple changes, or skin changes instead of automatically attributing them to hormones.

Those with a strong family history of breast cancer, an inherited gene mutation associated with increased risk, or a history of chest radiation should consult a doctor about whether they need earlier screening. Your 20s might feel too early to worry about mammograms, but they're not too early to get familiar with your breast health.

Finding a lump can be scary, but most breast lumps aren't cancerous. They may be caused by benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, which can be influenced by hormonal changes.

However, you can't reliably determine whether a lump is benign or cancerous just by feeling it. "If you have a new or persistent lump, have it checked immediately, especially if it grows or comes with skin changes," Dr. Basa says. A doctor may recommend imaging tests and, when necessary, a biopsy to determine what's causing it.

Breast cancer screening can detect abnormalities before they're noticeable. For average-risk women, Dr. Basa recommends annual mammograms and ultrasound starting at age 40, while those at higher risk may need to begin earlier. Ask your healthcare provider about the appropriate screening schedule for your age and risk factors, and don't wait for symptoms to appear before discussing your breast health.

You don't have to give up your favorite underwire bra out of fear that it's increasing your breast cancer risk. "There is no credible scientific evidence that wearing a bra, whether it has an underwire or not, causes breast cancer," Dr. Basa says. Claims that underwire bras block lymphatic drainage or trap toxins in breast tissue aren't supported by science, either.

When choosing your everyday bra, prioritize fit, comfort, and support rather than worrying about whether the style could cause cancer. Your favorite bralette, sports bra, or underwire style doesn't need to be a source of stress.

"Breastfeeding is associated with a modest reduction in breast cancer risk, but it isn't a guarantee," Dr. Basa notes. Other factors, including age, genetics, and medical history, still play a role in a person's overall risk. Regardless of whether you've breastfed, stay attentive to new or persistent breast changes and follow screening recommendations appropriate for your age and risk level.

Mammograms use low-dose X-rays, so they do involve some radiation exposure. However, the dose is small, and for women who meet screening guidelines, the benefits of early detection generally outweigh the potential risks associated with that exposure.

If you're anxious about radiation, Dr. Basa recommends discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider rather than skipping a recommended mammogram. The test can detect certain breast abnormalities before they're noticeable through touch, making it an important tool for early detection.

Breast cancer is often discussed as a women's health issue, but men can develop it, too. Although male breast cancer is rare, Dr. Basa notes of the following warning signs: a lump near the nipple, nipple discharge or inversion, and changes in the breast skin. These symptoms should be checked even when they aren't painful.

Risk factors include age, a family history of breast cancer, inherited gene changes such as BRCA2 mutations, and previous radiation exposure to the chest.

From detox drinks to herbal supplements and so-called superfoods, the Internet is full of products marketed as ways to prevent cancer or help the body fight it. However, no specific food, detox, herb, or supplement has strong evidence proving that it can prevent or cure breast cancer.

Dr. Basa notes that regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight may help lower risk, but these measures can't eliminate it. Some supplements can also interfere with cancer treatment, so anyone receiving care should discuss them with their oncology team and never replace evidence-based treatment with unproven remedies.

A breast cancer diagnosis doesn't automatically mean the entire breast must be removed or that the outcome will be poor. "Treatment depends on the cancer's stage. If we detect your cancer early, then many surgical options are available to you and one is breast preservation," Dr. Basa explains. Early detection can expand treatment options, including breast-conserving surgery, although the most appropriate approach depends on each patient's case.

Another misconception is that getting a biopsy can cause cancer to spread. Dr. Basa clarifies, "Having a biopsy is the only way to confirm if you have breast cancer or not and it does not cause the cancer to spread." A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample to determine whether an abnormality is cancerous, making it an important step toward getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.