Breast Cancer Myths and Facts
A lot of what people have heard about breast cancer is not supported by the evidence. Some of it keeps people from getting screened.
Medically reviewed by Charles Ortega, PA-C, MPAS · Last reviewed October 1, 2026 · Educational information, not medical advice. Innovare Tx does not perform mammograms.
Myth: antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
The American Cancer Society's review concludes that, based on the available evidence, there is little if any reason to believe that antiperspirants increase the risk of breast cancer.
One thing that causes the confusion: you are asked not to wear deodorant or antiperspirant to a mammogram. That is because some products can show up on the image, not because they are harmful.
Myth: wearing a bra causes breast cancer
The American Cancer Society states that there is no scientific or clinical data showing that wearing a bra changes the risk of having breast cancer.
Myth: breast implants cause breast cancer
Breast implants have not been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. If you have implants, tell the technologist when you book your mammogram, because four extra pictures are usually taken, two of each breast.
Myth: no family history means no risk
Only up to about 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary. Most people who are diagnosed have no known inherited cause, so a clean family history is not a reason to skip screening. See risk factors.
Myth: a lump always means cancer
The American Cancer Society notes that most breast lumps are not cancer. A new lump still needs to be examined, because examination and imaging are the only way to know. See signs and symptoms.
Myth: mammograms expose you to dangerous radiation
A typical screening mammogram delivers a total dose of about 0.4 millisieverts. The American Cancer Society compares that to the radiation a person receives from normal, everyday life over one to two months.
Myth: only women get breast cancer
About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man, according to the CDC. See breast cancer in men.
Myth: if I feel fine, I do not need a mammogram
Screening is for people without symptoms. The CDC notes that some people with breast cancer have no signs or symptoms at all, and a mammogram can find a cancer before it can be felt. See the screening guidelines.
Where the evidence is still unclear
Not every question has an answer yet. The American Cancer Society lists several areas where studies are mixed or incomplete, including dietary fat, soy, vitamin D, night shift work and certain environmental chemicals. If you read a confident claim about one of these, in either direction, treat it with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- American Cancer Society: Disproven or Controversial Breast Cancer Risk Factors
- American Cancer Society: Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants
- American Cancer Society: Mammogram Basics
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Cannot Change
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- CDC: Breast Cancer in Men
- CDC: Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Next in the breast health hub
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
What raises risk, what you can change, and what a family history really means.
ReadYour First Mammogram: What to Expect
How to prepare, what it feels like, how long it takes, and when results arrive.
ReadBreast Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
USPSTF, ACS, ACOG and ACR side by side, and how to choose between them.
ReadReady to get your screening arranged?
Book a visit at our Addison clinic. We review your risk, help you arrange a mammogram at an imaging center, and go over the results with you.