Myth:
Breast cancer is caused by spiritual forces, infections, or "sexual foreplay" (like oral stimulation or lack thereof).
Fact:
The cause of breast cancer is complex. It involves abnormal cell growth, often linked to factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that sexual activity, infections, or spiritual forces cause breast cancer.
Myth:
Only women get breast cancer.
Fact:
Men can and do get breast cancer. While it is much rarer than in women, men still have breast tissue and should be aware of the signs.
Myth:
Finding a lump always means you have cancer.
Fact: Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), such as cysts or fibro adenomas. However, any new lump or change must be checked by a doctor immediately, as early detection is crucial for a cure.
Myth:
Wearing an underwire bra or using antiperspirant/deodorant causes breast cancer.
Fact:
There is no scientific evidence to support a link between underwire bras or antiperspirants and breast cancer.
Myth:
Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer.
Fact:
Breast pain is usually not a sign of cancer, but rather hormonal changes or other benign conditions. However, persistent pain that doesn't go away should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Myth:
Breast cancer is contagious.
Fact:
Breast cancer is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another.
Myth:
Breast cancer is incurable, or the only solution is traditional/herbal medicine.
Fact:
Breast cancer is highly curable when detected early. Modern treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy are available, and early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
• Leading Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Ghana.
• Late Presentation: A major challenge is that a high percentage of women (estimated around 70%) are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III or IV). This is often due to a combination of low awareness, fear, stigma, and reliance on alternative treatments (like herbalists or prayer camps) before seeking medical help.
• Younger Age of Diagnosis: Compared to Western countries, Ghanaian women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger average age.
• Aggressive Tumors: Tumors in Ghanaian women are often more aggressive, such as being triple-negative (lacking receptors for oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2), which can be harder to treat.
• Importance of Early Detection: Early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and Mammography (though less accessible) is the most effective tool to fight breast cancer and improve survival rates in Ghana.
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