4 minute read
Debunking Myths About Breast Cancer
By Alia Abdulla DO
Myth 1: Wearing a bra (with or without underwire) can cause breast cancer.
Advertisement
A study, published in 2014, looked at the correlation between breast cancer and bras. It found that the patients diagnosed with breast cancer were NOT RELATED TO BRAS. They did find that people who take hormone replacement therapy, have a first-degree family history of breast cancer, or who have not had children all are at higher risk for breast cancer, however.
Myth 2: Wearing antiperspirant or deodorant can cause breast cancer.
Some rumors say that underarm deodorants and antiperspirants, especially those containing aluminum and other chemicals, are absorbed into the lymph nodes and make their way into breast cells, increasing cancer risk. Shaving the underarms is said to make this worse by creating tiny nicks that allow more of the chemicals to enter the body. Some think that antiperspirants, by stopping underarm sweating, can prevent the release of toxic substances from the underarm lymph nodes, also increasing cancer risk.
There is no evidence of a link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. Some studies have found that women who use aluminum products under their arms are more likely to have higher concentrations of aluminum in breast tissue.
Myth 3: Carrying your cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
There is no evidence of a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of cell phones is still being studied. The research isn’t there to support this claim but cell phone manufacturers often do recommend keeping your device away from your body as much as possible.
Myth 4: Consuming too much sugar causes breast cancer.
There is no evidence that sugar in the diet causes breast cancer. There’s a common myth that sugar can feed the cancer and speed up its growth. All cells, whether cancerous or healthy, use the sugar in the blood (called glucose) as fuel. While it’s true that cancer cells consume sugar more quickly than normal cells, there isn’t any evidence that excessive sugar consumption causes cancer.
Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain and being overweight is an established risk factor for breast cancer. In addition, some studies have linked diabetes with a higher risk of breast cancer — especially more aggressive, later-stage cancers.
Myth 5: All breast cancer is treated pretty much the same way.
Treatment plans vary widely depending on the characteristics of the cancer and patient preferences. Many people have a vague idea that breast cancer requires some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and maybe chemotherapy, but they don't know much beyond that. Each person’s treatment plan is tailored to his or her needs.
▸Dr. Alia Abdulla, DO, FACS, FSSO is a Board Certified General Surgeon specializing in
Breast Surgical Oncology and Complex General Surgical Oncology at Broward Health.
NOW WITH TWO SHOWROOMS! • BLINDS • SHADES • SHUTTERS • AUTOMATION
CALL US FOR A SHOWROOM DESIGN CONSULTATION
New Location!
13051 W. Sunrise Blvd. Sunrise, FL 33323
@ashadeaboveflorida
5967 S University Dr. Davie, FL 33328
Monday-Saturday 10am - 6pm
954-434-8701
Family Owned For 37 Years
Join us for our Join us for our OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSEOPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSESaturday, October 9, 2021 Two Sessions: 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Where Catholic Tradition Meets Innovation
SCAN MEWhere Catholic Tradition Meets Innovation
For more information or to register: www.mccarthyhigh.org Voted Best Private High School
Voted Best Private High School
Atmosphere Academics Arts Athletics
l College-like Campus 48 Acres l iCatholicEd
(21st Century Classroom)
l 300 seat Chapel l Accreditation-Cognia l College Advisement Office l 59 Sports Teams l New Broadcasting Studio l 60 Clubs & Ministries l New Locker Rooms l Over 300 AP & Dual
Enrollment Students
l State-of-the-Art Technology Our City Davie / October 2021 / OurCityMedia.com / 31
Atmosphere Academics Arts Athletics Register for the l First 1:1 iPad School in South Florida
ENTRANCE l Safety & Security - Visitors must sign-in - Security room with multiple
EXAM screens to view cameras - Access control entry for interior & exterior doors
- Security for afterschool events
Saturday, December 4, 2021 l 1000 seat Performing
Arts Center
www.mccarthyhigh.org Baseball Stadiums
l College-like Campus 48 Acres l iCatholicEd
(21st Century Classroom)
l 300 seat Chapel l Accreditation-Cognia l College Advisement Office l 59 Sports Teams l New Broadcasting Studio l 60 Clubs & Ministries l New Locker Rooms l Over 300 AP & Dual
Enrollment Students
l State-of-the-Art Technology
Register for the l First 1:1 iPad School in South Florida
ENTRANCE l Safety & Security - Visitors must sign-in - Security room with multiple
EXAM screens to view cameras - Access control entry for interior & exterior doors
- Security for afterschool events
Saturday, December 4, 2021 l 1000 seat Performing
