Surgical oncologist debunks breast cancer myths
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As part of 8News' coverage for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, surgical oncologist Emily Bellavance joined 8News Morning Anchors Autumn Childress and Delaney Hall to debunk several breast cancer myths. MYTH: Breast cancer is largely genetic According to Bellavance, the majority of breast cancers that are diagnosed each year are considered "sporadic," which means there is no family history that would increase the risk of breast cancer or a genetic factor. "About 85% of breast cancers occur without that history -- and then there's a smaller percentage of breast cancers, about 10 to 15%, where we can identify a gene that's increasing a woman's risk for developing breast cancer," Bellavance said. Even though the majority of breast cancers are not caused by genetic mutation, Bellavance said it is important for people to know their family history so that their physicians can see if they need genetic testing or a personalized screening for breast cancer. MYTH: Breast cancer always appears as a lump Bellavance said breast cancer can appear as a lump -- however, it can be diagnosed before it becomes large enough to become a lump. "Most commonly -- and what we would hope to see -- is that a breast cancer is diagnosed before you see any physical changes," Bellavance said. "And that's why it's so important to get your mammogram every year starting at the age of 40." Aside from lumps, Bellavance said the following are other signs of breast cancer that can appear during a physical exam: Nipple discharge Skin changes Redness or swelling that does not go away with antibiotics A significant change in breast size Dimpling or contraction in the breast MYTH: Young women don't get breast cancer Although older women are at a higher risk of breast cancer, Bellavance said there is a recent trend of young women in the United States being diagnosed with breast cancer. Bellavance said it is unclear what the causes are -- however, women under 40 should not dismiss their chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer. MYTH: Small-chested women have a lower risk According to Bellavance, anyone can develop breast cancer. "It may be more difficult to detect on physical exam or on self-breast exam if a woman has larger breasts," Bellavance said. "Unfortunately, the size of your breast does not protect you from developing breast cancer."
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As part of 8News' coverage for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, surgical oncologist Emily Bellavance joined 8News Morning Anchors Autumn Childress and Delaney Hall to debunk several breast cancer myths.
MYTH: Breast cancer is largely genetic
According to Bellavance, the majority of breast cancers that are diagnosed each year are considered "sporadic," which means there is no family history that would increase the risk of breast cancer or a genetic factor.
"About 85% of breast cancers occur without that history -- and then there's a smaller percentage of breast cancers, about 10 to 15%, where we can identify a gene that's increasing a woman's risk for developing breast cancer," Bellavance said.
Even though the majority of breast cancers are not caused by genetic mutation, Bellavance said it is important for people to know their family history so that their physicians can see if they need genetic testing or a personalized screening for breast cancer.
MYTH: Breast cancer always appears as a lump
Bellavance said breast cancer can appear as a lump -- however, it can be diagnosed before it becomes large enough to become a lump.
"Most commonly -- and what we would hope to see -- is that a breast cancer is diagnosed before you see any physical changes," Bellavance said. "And that's why it's so important to get your mammogram every year starting at the age of 40."
Aside from lumps, Bellavance said the following are other signs of breast cancer that can appear during a physical exam:
- Nipple discharge
- Skin changes
- Redness or swelling that does not go away with antibiotics
- A significant change in breast size
- Dimpling or contraction in the breast
MYTH: Young women don't get breast cancer
Although older women are at a higher risk of breast cancer, Bellavance said there is a recent trend of young women in the United States being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Bellavance said it is unclear what the causes are -- however, women under 40 should not dismiss their chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
MYTH: Small-chested women have a lower risk
According to Bellavance, anyone can develop breast cancer.
"It may be more difficult to detect on physical exam or on self-breast exam if a woman has larger breasts," Bellavance said. "Unfortunately, the size of your breast does not protect you from developing breast cancer."
