There are many myths about breast cancer and sometimes it is hard to know what to believe and what to ignore.
There are some that we know are simply not true – that only women can get breast cancer, for example. In Australia, about 100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
There are others that are not supported by research. For example, studies have shown that wearing underwire or tight-fitting bras does not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This is a common myth.
Other myths are unproven because not enough research has been done to support the claim. For example, there is no conclusive evidence that using anti-perspirants or deodorants can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. The US National Institutes of Health, which is the US government's principal agency for cancer research and training, addresses this issue in a fact sheet available on its website.
More information
Cancer Australia has a good and reliable information on common breast cancer myths and the Cancer Council NSW also has information on common cancer myths. If you read or hear something you are unsure about, you can submit a cancer-related question to the Cancer Council's iHeard website, and they will respond with an answer.
- Cancer Council iHeard website: Cancer facts and fiction
- Cancer Australia website: Unproven risk factors for breast cancer
- Cancer Council NSW website: Cancer Myths and Facts
If you are still concerned, you may like to talk to your doctor.
