Breast cancer myths debunked: Doctor explains facts about mammograms, deodorant and breast injuries
A Montefiore Nyack breast specialist addresses common misconceptions that may prevent women from getting screened and explains the facts behind several persistent breast cancer myths.
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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of screening and education, one local physician is helping separate fact from fiction when it comes to breast cancer myths.
Dr. Adriana Suarez-Ligon, medical director of the Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack, says many common misconceptions stem from misunderstandings of real medical information.
"Some of these myths stem from some truth," Suarez-Ligon said. "We just need to make sure people understand why the myth started and what the reality is."
One myth, she says, can even discourage women from getting potentially lifesaving screenings.
Some women believe mammograms can cause breast cancer because the test uses radiation. Suarez-Ligon says that is false.
"Women are refusing to get mammograms because the mammogram itself causes breast cancer. Mammograms do not cause breast cancer,” Suarez-Ligon said.
So where does the myth stem from?
"Mammograms are using radiation to give us these images. It's an X-ray. It's an X-ray of our breast tissue. But that dose of radiation is so low,” Suarez-Ligon said.
Another common misconception involves deodorant.
"This is a big one," Suarez-Ligon said. "When you go to get your mammogram, they ask you to not wear any perfume, any deodorant, any powders. The reason is it interferes with the pictures."
Suarez-Ligon also addressed concerns about whether a breast injury can lead to cancer.
"If you get a mammogram after a trauma and we see something that looks like fat necrosis, we will investigate it until we know for sure it's not a cancer," Suarez-Ligon said. "That may even involve a biopsy. So the trauma itself does not lead to breast cancer but the trauma can look like breast cancer."
An extended version featuring additional breast cancer myths and explanations will be available on the News 12 YouTube channel.
