Cancer: Debunking the myths

BREAST cancer is the second most common malignancy among both black and non-black Zimbabweans at 11,6 percent and 15,9 percent respectively, according the 2015 Zimbabwe Cancer Registry Report. The country’s high prevalence of breast cancer is blamed on inadequate screening services, late presentation among patients, including insufficient trained health professionals and diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Since it is breast cancer awareness month, it’s high time we bust some myths about this disease. Myth 1: Breast cancer is largely genetic

Fact: Indeed, this is one of the biggest myths. Did you know that it is only five percent to 10 percent of breast cancer cases that are inheritable?

While it is believed that if a first degree relative – parent, sibling, child - has had or has breast cancer, your risk of having the disease approximately doubles, this is not the case. Anyone can get breast cancer - it is not hereditary.

The remaining 90-95 percent breast cancers are caused by mutations that happen during a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and lifestyle factors such as smoking, radiation, alcohol, oral contraceptives and diet. Myth 2: Men can’t get breast cancer

Fact: Even though 99 percent of breast cancer cases appear in women, breast cancer can affect anyone. Although the cases are fewer in man, it is advisable for men to look out for the following signs: nipple discharge, lump or swelling, skin dimpling and puckering. Myth 3: Breast cancer treatment kills more than it cures

Fact: Let’s be clear: breast cancer treatment, whether surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is no walk the park. The side effects can be tough but these treatments do work! Due to advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, cancer patients are now living longer. These treatments are most effective when the diagnosed patient is treated early. Unfortunately, in Zimbabwe, some of the patients present late when the disease is advanced and the chances of cure are very low. We encourage people to go for screening because early detection and treatment saves lives. Myth 4: Herbs cure breast cancer

Fact: Problems with conventional medicine don’t automatically prove that alternative cures work. Some studies suggest that alternative or complimentary therapies, including some herbs, may help patients cope with the side effects of breast cancer treatment, but no herbal products have been shown to be effective for treating cancer.

We only hear about purported success stories, what about people who have unsuccessfully tried it and have not lived to tell the tale? In many cases, it’s impossible to tell whether patients have been cured or not; we know nothing about their diagnosis, stage or outlook. Or if they had breast cancer in the first place.

In fact, some herbal products may be harmful when taken during chemotherapy and radiotherapy because they may interfere with how these treatments work. Breast cancer patients should talk with their doctor about any alternative and complimentary medicine products they may be using. Myth 5: Carrying cellphones in bras causes cancer

Fact: Not according to the best research thus far. Cellphones emit a type of low frequency energy that does not damage cells, but only results in tissue heating. However, research is still underway; so in the meantime, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Carry your phone in your purse and never fall asleep with it on your body. Whether wearing cellphones really causes breast cancer or not, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping active are the most effective ways of reducing breast cancer risk. Myth 6: Young women are immune to breast cancer

Fact: It is a fact that your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, but you can get breast cancer at any age. Although it is less common in young women, it can happen to anyone. Make sure you check yourself monthly and be on the lookout for any changes in your body. Myth 7: Most breast lumps are cancerous

Fact: Roughly 80 percent of lumps in women’s breasts are caused by benign or non-cancerous changes, cysts and other conditions. Breast cancer can manifest itself physically in a number of ways. Women have to report:

Any changes they notice on their breasts’ shape and size.

Nipple pain, tenderness or discharge , including bleeding, itchiness, scales , soreness or rash on nipple

A nipple inverted or turning inward

A change in skin colour and texture (dimpling,puckering or redness)

A breast that feels warm and swollen Be breast aware !

Michelle Chishamiso Madzudzo is the founder of Talk Cancer Zim. Feedback: +263774866873 and talkcancerzim@gmail.com