10 Myths about Breast Cancer Survivorship

10 Myths about Breast Cancer Survivorship

Myths and “Old Wives Tales” are an inherent part of our culture. Sometimes it is hard to figure out what is fact and what is fiction. I often find myself pondering when I hear something outlandish or even something that sounds reasonably reasonable.  When it comes to FBC, there are many MANY myths floating around, especially in this life after cancer where so many of us are trying our darndest to prevent this f-bomb from coming back. But the Silver Lining is that cancer research is working hard to dispell these myths and it’s our job to spread the word!

Here are ten common breast cancer myths and the truths that lie behind them*:

MYTH: My deodorant contributed to my getting breast cancer. 

• FACT: NO NO NO. This myth is defnintely false. There has been absolutely no scientific evidence.

MYTH: I should eat an organic diet to reduce my chances of recurrence. 

• FACT: As much as I am all about eating as colorful and as organic as possible, there actually is no scientifically proven link between the consumption of non-organic foods and an increase risk of breast cancer. Shocking right?!! However, it’s still a good idea to eat organic fruits, veggies, and meat as much as possible to limit your exposure to pesticides and hormones.

MYTH: Eating soy products after having hormone receptor positive breast cancer increases my chance of a recurrence. 

• FACT: Research on soy as been back and forth over the past years. Overall, natural dietary soy that comes in the form of soy bean sprouts, tofu, soy milk, or tempeh appears to be safe and can have health benefits if used as a replacement for animal sources of milk and protein. However, soy in a concentrated form is what you definitely need to stay away from!  Soy powders, pills, and supplements have the strongest potential to create estrogenic activity in your body. For me, I stay away from soy all together… just to be safe.

MYTH: If I tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, I must have a bilateral mastectomy. 

• FACT: Women with a BRCA mutation do NOT need to get a mastectomy. Some women prefer it as a preventative measure, while others choose breast-conserving therapy. Women who have the BRCA gene need to be followed closely and are advised to have enhanced breast cancer screenings. The sooner you are aware, the better!

MYTH: Eventually, I will be able to stop my mammograms. 

• FACT: Mammograms are always strongly suggested for the rest of your life unless you have had a bilateral mastectomy.

MYTH: I had breast cancer in the past so I should not become pregnant. 

• FACT: It is recommended that you wait until you have completed all cancer treatments before trying to get pregnant in order to give your body rest. There is no specific amount of time you should wait to get pregnant after your treatments…it all depends on your body. Listen to it.

MYTH: Since my menstrual periods have not begun again and I am taking tamoxifen, I cannot get pregnant. 

• FACT: Tamoxifen does not protect you from getting pregnant, even if your periods have no returned or they are irregular. This drug was orginally created as a fertility drug and has potential to harm the fetus. While taking tamoxifen, it’s advised to use a non-hormonal form of birth control every time you have sexual intercourse to protect you from pregnancy.

MYTH: If I’ve had a mastectomy, I cannot have a breast cancer recurrence. 

• FACT: If you have undergone a bilateral mastectomy then you have drastically reduced your chances of recurrence. But there is still a very small chance that the residual breast tissue or cancer cells could recur on the chest wall. That is why self-breast exams and regular doctors visits are very important. If you have had a lateral (one sided) mastectomy you are still at risk for developing breast cancer on the other side. A yearly mammogram is important to continue in order to detect any changes. Keep in mind that neither type of mastectomy reduces your risk of developing cancer in other areas of your body.

MYTH: I should avoid weightlifting activites if I have lymphedema. 

• FACT: A research study in 2006,  showed that women who engaged in moderate physical activity were no more likely to suffer from lymphedema than women who did not engage in weight lifting acitivies. However, keeping your body strong through regular phsyical activity is a great way to reduce your chance of having a breast cancer recurrence.

MYTH: Bone pain in my hips and knees must mean that my breast cancer has spread. 

• FACT: Thinking that your cancer has spread is very common and can be very scary. But the reality is that a common side effect of aromatase inhibitors (drugs that stop the production of estrogen) is bone pain and joint stiffness. This can happen gradually over the years or very shortly after you start taking the drug.

* From Johns Hopkins Medicine