Does breast cancer hurt? This and many other questions have certainly crossed your mind, after all, there are several reasons why breasts can hurt and this type of cancer is the most frequent among women.
However, although the lack of information about this condition is very common, it is extremely important to understand how breast cancer works and seek truthful information to prevent it and be able to have an early diagnosis.
Therefore, there is nothing better than talking about prevention and awareness in this month of October, since we are in the month in which the Pink October campaign is carried out, whose main objective is to alert women about the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Therefore, to demystify some mistakenly disseminated concepts, we have compiled a list of 8 myths about breast lumps that you need to know, highlighting whether breast cancer can really cause pain. Keep reading and check it out!
1. It is not necessary to do annual prevention
The preventive examination is the main way to diagnose the disease early, mainly because, in most cases, breast cancer is asymptomatic at first. For this reason, even without any changes, the breasts should be examined once a year by a health professional. In the case of asymptomatic women over 50 years old, bilateral mammography every two years is indicated.
In addition, it is also important to highlight that — despite being an ally to raising awareness — self-examination is often not capable of detecting the onset of a tumor when the lesions are still very small. Palpation detects larger lumps. In this case, annual prevention and mammography are essential for early diagnosis.
So, if you still don’t see a gynecologist once a year to get tested, especially if you’re over 50, start doing it.
2. Every lump in the breast is cancer
It is normal for women to be concerned about the appearance of breast lumps. In fact, this is a sign that needs to be investigated, as it can be one of the symptoms of the disease. However, before you despair, you must be aware that these nodules are not always malignant tumors or indicate some serious illness.
Some nodules, for example, may arise during the menstrual cycle, representing a benign cyst or nodule. In any case, be sure to seek the evaluation of a doctor, because when the health professional diagnoses cancer earlier, the chance of cure is very high!
3. Breastfeeding contributes to cancer
On the contrary, breastfeeding makes you less likely to develop breast cancer, especially if you are pregnant before the age of 30. In addition, there is evidence that the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the greater the protection.
This relationship happens because breastfeeding reduces the number of menstrual cycles and, consequently, the exposure to some female hormones that may be associated with the appearance of tumors, as in the case of estrogen. Therefore, when the baby is still breastfeeding, mammary cells produce milk and multiply less, reducing the risk of developing the disease.
4. Breast cancer only affects older women
Undoubtedly, thinking that cancer only affects older women is one of the most common myths. But although the number is significantly lower, women under the age of 40 are also prone to developing the disease. The truth is that cancer has no age and, at any stage of life, it is essential to consult a professional to assess your condition, especially if there are warning signs.
5. Silicone increases the chances of breast cancer
There is no relationship between breast cancer and silicone implants. The only problem is that the implant can make it difficult to diagnose the disease. For this reason, the professional usually request complementary exams such as magnetic resonance imaging of the breasts for better visualization.
6. Local trauma can cause breast cancer
Another myth that worries many people. Breast trauma is not capable of triggering a tumor. Of course, depending on the degree of trauma, it causes pain, and discomfort and, in more severe cases, can even generate an area of fibrosis, perceived as a small lump on self-examination. But cancer, under no circumstances!
In this case, what usually happens is that women become more careful and thoughtful with their breasts after suffering some trauma in the region. And that way, they can discover the presence of a nodule that went unnoticed.
7. The disease only happens to those with a family history
Taking family history into account is valid in some routine consultations, but it is wrong to think that the disease will only develop in those who have relatives with breast cancer. After all, estimates show that 90% of all breast cancers do not depend on hereditary factors.
This only occurs when the relationship is of the first degree, that is, if the mother, sister, or daughter receives the diagnosis. In these situations, it is important to redouble attention and seek professional guidance on proper conduct, including carrying out genetic screening.
Remember that risk factors such as smoking, obesity, alcoholism, and physical inactivity are equally dangerous for women with or without cases of cancer in the family. Therefore, some preventive actions can start very early. Be alert!
8. Does breast cancer hurt?
In the previous topics, we clarified some myths about breast lumps, there is still an important doubt that is the central point of this article, isn’t it? So, does breast cancer hurt or not?
The truth is that breast cancer rarely causes pain, so this statement can also be considered a myth. Pain only happens when the disease is already in advanced stages, in the process of inflammation.
In the initial stage, breast cancer hardly causes pain, and, in general, the painful region of the breasts can indicate the existence of some benign disease and nothing serious. The best thing to do right now is to seek expert help to help you better.
