Myths About Breast Cancer and Why They Aren’t True

Myth: Mammograms are unsafe because they give out too much radiation.

Fact: The mammogram remains the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer.

There is often a misconception that a mammogram causes more harm than benefit as it involves high doses of radiation. However, modern mammography equipment is able to produce high quality breast images with low doses of radiation. The total dose for a standard screening mammogram is only about 0.4 miliSievert (mSv).

To put that number in perspective, we are typically exposed to an average of 3 mSv of radiation each year from background sources such as rocks and soil. There is no doubt that the benefits of early detection and early treatment of breast cancer far outweigh the possible harm from the very low dose radiation exposure by mammograms.

Myth: Only women develop breast cancer. Men do not get breast cancer.

Fact: Although breast cancer commonly affects women, it does occur in men too. Sadly, there is lack of awareness among men and they are less likely to suspect that a lump in their breast could be cancerous. This causes a delay in seeking treatment.

In the presence of any suspicious breast lump in men, they should come forward quickly for assessment.