Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Yet misconceptions about the disease persist, and some can delay diagnosis and treatment. Here are five myths worth debunking.

“Breast cancer only affects women”

False. About 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men. Because the disease is less widely recognized in men, diagnosis often comes later. According to the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), in Italy in 2021, there were 1.7 new cases per 100,000 men, compared with 150 cases per 100,000 women. Any breast lump, regardless of sex, should always be checked by a doctor.

“Underwire bras and deodorant cause breast cancer”

False. There is no solid scientific evidence linking these products to breast cancer. Established risk factors include age, family history, alcohol consumption, being overweight after menopause, physical inactivity and certain reproductive and hormonal factors.

“If no one in my family has had breast cancer, I’m not at risk”

False. Only about 20% of breast cancers are hereditary, mainly involving mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, although other genes can also play a role. Most breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no family history of the disease. That is why screening and regular checkups are important for everyone.

“Mammograms are dangerous”

False. The radiation dose is very low, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Mammograms can detect small tumors before they can be seen or felt, when the chances of successful treatment are highest. In Italy, breast cancer screening is offered free of charge through the National Health Service, generally to women ages 50 to 69 every two years, with some regions extending the age range.

“Breast cancer can’t be beaten”

False. Today in Italy, about 88 out of 100 women survive at least five years after diagnosis, and the survival rate is even higher when the cancer is detected early. Earlier diagnosis and increasingly targeted treatments have significantly improved the outlook for patients.

The Importance of Reliable Sources

Before sharing health information, always check where it comes from. If you have questions or doubts, talk to your primary care doctor or your local health authority’s screening center.

Sources

Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro ETS, Il tumore del seno colpisce anche gli uomini. Lo sai che...?, 2024

Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori Milano Monza Brianza ETS, Guida ai Servizi di Prevenzione e Assistenza Oncologica, Nastro della Cura, 2025

Chen L. et al., “Bra Wearing Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case-Control Study,” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2014

Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro ETS, Usare un deodorante può aumentare il rischio di ammalarsi di cancro del seno? Facciamo chiarezza, 2024