Three experts—medical physicist Dr. Theophilus Sackey, cancer epidemiologist Dr. Adolf Kofi Awua, and medical imaging expert Dr. Shiraz Issahaku—have debunked certain myths about breast cancer in an interview with the ‘Mirror’ newspaper.
Myth 1: Breast cancer is contagious
Dr Sackey addressed the misconception that breast cancer was contagious, explaining that the myth arose from a misunderstanding of how cancer developed.
“Cancer is not an infectious disease; it results from genetic mutations in a person’s cells influenced by factors such as lifestyle, family history and environment. Unlike infectious diseases that spread through contact or bodily fluids, cancer cells cannot be transmitted from one person to another,” he said.
He noted that extensive research had found no evidence supporting the idea of cancer transmission, noting that the misconception could foster stigma and fear among those diagnosed with the disease.
He recounted that in his 30 years of experience, some patients had reported being evicted or isolated from their homes upon their landlords or family members discovering that they had been diagnosed with cancer. He asked the public to refrain from spreading such misinformation.
Myth 2: Mastectomy prevents breast cancer reoccurrence
Dr Awua addressed the question of whether a mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, guaranteed that a person would never develop breast cancer again.
He explained that while mastectomy was crucial for advanced-stage breast cancer or women with significant family history of the disease, there was still a risk of cancer recurrence in nearby tissues, including lymph nodes around the armpit, collarbone or breastbone.
“Even with a mastectomy, residual cells and lymph nodes can remain and potentially become re-infected,” he cautioned.
He added that if radiation therapy and pre and post-chemotherapy treatments were used, it was possible to destroy any remaining infected cells and tissues.
Myth 3: Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer
Dr Awua spoke about the concern of whether deodorants and antiperspirants could cause breast cancer.
He explained that while some of these products contained some amount of heavy metals like aluminium, the is no evidence that these metals can damage the DNA or increase the risk of cancer.
Myth 4: Only women can get breast cancer
Dr Issahaku clarified that not only women could get breast cancer. “It is more prevalent in women but men can also develop the disease, particularly if they have a family history or other risk factors.
He noted the importance of awareness and screening for all genders, as early detection could improve treatment outcomes.
Myth 5: All lumps in the breast are cancerous
Dr Issahaku explained that not every lump or bump found in the breast was cancerous, as some might be harmless.
“However, it is critical to have any lump examined regularly by a healthcare professional because there is no guarantee it won’t become cancerous over time,” he advised.
Dr Issahaku added that, research has revealed that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, while one in 100 men will develop it in their lifetime.
