Breast cancer awareness takes center stage this month, but persistent myths about the disease continue to cause dangerous delays in screening and treatment, according to local medical experts. Dr. Esther Ozeryansky, a breast surgical oncologist, and Tammy Adar, a genetic counselor, addressed several misconceptions that can put patients at risk.
One of the most common myths is that a lack of family history means a person cannot develop breast cancer. Adar noted that about 85 percent of breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease, and only 5 percent to 15 percent of cases are hereditary. "It is important not to skip out on normal screenings, because everyone has a risk," she said.
Ozeryansky clarified that breast cancer does not spread from one breast to the other; a diagnosis in the opposite breast is a completely new cancer. She also addressed the misconception that a double mastectomy eliminates all future risk, stating that breast cancer can still recur after surgery.
The experts highlighted significant advances in treatment, particularly for triple-negative breast cancers, which previously had limited options. "As long as it has not spread to other parts of the body, as long as it's not Stage 4, we consider breast cancer curable," Ozeryansky said, noting that immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes.
Annual mammograms remain the most effective tool for early detection. Ozeryansky said the vast majority of women who get yearly screenings are diagnosed at early stages, though rare cases can involve cancers not visible on mammograms that have already spread to lymph nodes.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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