Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer

 If you are hearing or reading different information about breast cancer, it can be confusing. This article provides answers to questions frequently asked about breast cancer.

Does having a pain in my breast mean that I have breast cancer? 

Pain in the breast(s) does not always mean you have breast cancer. Pain in the breast(s) is common and can happen for many reasons. Some common reasons are hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, weight gain, eating a high-sodium diet and drinking a lot of caffeine that can lead to fluid retention (swelling), or a poorly fitting bra. Take note of how you feel and tell your provider about things like:

• When do you have pain?
• How long does the pain last?
• Does anything cause the pain or make it better?

Breast pain can get better on its own, and there are many reasons you could have it, but talk to your provider if you are having it.

Does having a lump in your breast mean you have breast cancer? 

A lump in your breast does not always mean you have breast cancer. If you find a lump, talk to your provider. A lump found in the breast could be a fibroadenoma (noncancerous tumor) that can feel hard but does not cause any pain. These can be found in females of any age but are most common in females in their 20s and 30s. Fibroadenomas can be removed if they bother you. Also, you can have breast cancer and not feel a lump. It is important to check your breasts and have a mammogram.

Can males get breast cancer? 

Breast cancer is more common in females than in males, but males can get it. Learn more about breast cancer in males. 

Does having a mammogram cause breast cancer or already existing cancer to spread? 

A mammogram is a medical test used to look for signs of breast cancer. Mammography does not cause breast cancer and it does not cause already known cancer to spread. Mammography does expose you to a very low amount of radiation, but it is still safe. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your provider before having a mammogram.

Can I have a mammogram if I have breast implants? 

Mammography can be done if you have or have had breast implants. The American Cancer Society has guidelines for when you should have a mammogram and if you have breast implants, you should still follow these guidelines. Tell your provider that you have implants before having a mammogram. Implants may block some views of the breast. Your provider can use certain techniques to make sure that as much tissue as possible can be seen on the mammogram. Your provider might take additional images as well.  

If you had breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, there is often minimal breast tissue on the side of the mastectomy. Your provider may decide that mammograms are no longer needed on the breast(s) that were removed.

Does injury to the breast cause breast cancer? 

Injury to the breast does not cause breast cancer. If the breast is bruised badly, there may be a buildup of blood under the skin that can feel like a lump. The body will reabsorb this over time, just as any bruise heals. 

Does antiperspirant use, deodorant use, or shaving the underarms cause breast cancer? 

Research is ongoing about whether an ingredient like aluminum in antiperspirant and/or deodorant causes breast cancer, but currently, there is no link. On the day of a mammogram, you might be asked not to wear deodorant or antiperspirant. This is because aluminum can show up on mammogram images and can look like microcalcifications, which is a sign of breast cancer. If you get a small cut from shaving your underarms, it can increase your risk for infection, but it does not raise your risk for cancer.

What are parabens and do they cause breast cancer?

Research is ongoing about whether parabens cause breast cancer, and currently, there is no link between the two. Parabens are a group of preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth, and are found in many things, including cosmetics, food, and beverages. If you want to avoid parabens, check the ingredient list for any of the following: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, parahydroxybenzoate, and find products that do not contain them.

Do biopsies and air during surgery cause breast cancer to spread? 

Biopsies and/or air during surgery do not cause breast cancer to spread. The fear of biopsies comes from the concern that sticking a needle into a breast tumor to get a sample or using a scalpel to remove the whole tumor can move some of those cells to a different place in the breast (by the cells sticking to the needle or dropping cells from the tumor into other places). Studies have not found this to be true for breast cancer biopsies (but it can happen with ovarian cancers). Some people believe that exposing cancer to air during surgery or biopsy can cause cancer to spread; this too has not been proven.

Do you only get breast cancer if your family has a history of it? 

Breast cancer can run in families. But, most cases of breast cancer are in people with no family history. This is why screening is an important tool to find breast cancer early when it is most treatable.

Are all cases of breast cancer treated the same way?

All cases of breast cancer are not treated the same way. Treatment depends on factors like stage, grade, size of the tumor, where it’s located, if you have genetic mutations, or the status of estrogen or progesterone receptors. If you have breast cancer, you will work together with your provider to come up with a treatment plan that fits your needs.

If you have any questions about breast cancer, talk to your provider.

Learn More About Breast Cancer From These Sites

BreastCancer.org - Breast cancer myths versus facts

National Breast Cancer Foundation - Breast cancer myths

National Breast Cancer Coalition - 22 Myths & Truths