How Well Can You Spot Breast Cancer Misinformation?

Health misinformation seems to be everywhere now.  A recent study by researchers at the University of Florida found that 93% of people diagnosed with cancer had been exposed to some amount of cancer misinformation — spread by their family, friends, and social media. Not only is misinformation hard to avoid, but it can be hard to know it when  you see it. This can be especially dangerous if you’re living with cancer since it can shake your confidence in established treatments. Some people may then decide to turn to unproven treatments — or delay or skip proven ones.

How well can you tell fact from fiction? Find out in the quiz below. 

Answer: E

There’s no singular cause of breast cancer — only things that increase your risk of developing the disease. There’s no evidence that bras, poor gut health, or cell phones cause breast cancer.  

Answer: A

Many things can influence your risk of developing breast cancer, including having a close relative (sister, mother, daughter) who has had the disease. Other factors like age, genetics, pregnancy history, and lifestyle also influence breast cancer risk. But there are a number of disproven risks, including abortion or soy products like tofu. These things do not increase your chance of developing breast cancer.  Researchers don’t know if eating dairy increases breast cancer risk, since research has been mixed.

Answer: False 

The theory that mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine cause a rapid surge of aggressive cancer growth is a myth. COVID vaccines have been thoroughly studied for safety and show no link to increased cancer risk. COVID vaccines have been shown to protect people with weakened immune systems, including people with breast cancer, from infections. Emerging research also suggests that respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu may activate breast cancer cells in the lungs, leading to metastatic disease. 

Answer: D

Pesticides and bisphenols have both been linked to breast cancer because of their ability to disrupt hormones. Pesticides are used in large-scale food production to kill off insects, fungi, rodents and weeds. Bisphenols, including bisphenol A (BPA), are used to make plastics more rigid. 

There’s not enough research on the links between artificial food dyes and breast cancer, or cancer in general. Red No. 3, a red food dye, was shown to cause tumors in male mice in the 1990s, and the FDA is phasing the dye out by 2027. Still, we don’t know how or if food dyes increase cancer risk. Researchers have not found any link between breast cancer and antiperspirants. 

Answer: True

Research shows that chemicals from plastic, including bisphenol A (BPA) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), leach from plastic containers when heated (like in the microwave) or even at room temperature. This process can contaminate food then the body with chemicals that can disrupt hormones or damage DNA, increasing breast cancer risk. 

Answer: B

There are many ways to treat breast cancer, including with surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and more. Treatment is often decided by you and your oncology team and based on the type of breast cancer you have. 

While eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help ease some of the symptoms of breast cancer treatment, there’s no evidence diet and lifestyle alone can cure cancer. There’s also no evidence showing that using dewormers or having a positive attitude are effective treatments for breast cancer. In fact, dewormers like fenbendazole may reduce the effectiveness of standard cancer treatments and be unsafe. 

Answer: False 

There’s no clinical evidence showing that an extreme diet or product can rid the body of harmful substances like cancer. No amount of fasting, juice cleanses, or detox teas can get rid of cancer. The best way to support your body through breast cancer treatments is with a healthy, well-balanced diet, plenty of sleep and exercise.  

Answer: E 

Recurrence and metastasis are complicated parts of breast cancer and can be difficult to predict. Even after intense treatment, cancer can still come back or spread to other parts of the body. There’s no evidence that exposure to air or eating sugar will make cancer cells grow or spread to other parts of the body. Surgeons take precautions during surgery, like using different surgical tools to remove cancer tissue in different areas of the body, so the chances of cancer spreading because of surgery or biopsy are extremely low. 

Answer: C

Research shows that complementary therapies like acupuncture, tai chi, and massage may relieve common breast cancer treatment side effects like fatigue, pain, and nausea. These therapies shouldn’t be used alone, but combined with standard medical treatment. 

While many “natural remedies” are touted on social media or blogs as ways to treat or cure breast cancer, they don’t have scientific backing. Amygdalin from apricot seeds has not been shown to be an effective cancer treatment, and it can be dangerous since it breaks down to cyanide in the body. There’s also no scientific evidence that coffee enemas remove “toxins” from the body, treat breast cancer, or are even safe. And while some herbal products may alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, they shouldn’t be used alone to treat cancer and shouldn’t be used without consulting your doctor first. 

Answer: A 

Limiting exposures to harmful chemicals in food, plastic, and cosmetics may reduce breast cancer risk, but exercise is one of the best proven ways to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends just 2.5 hours a week of aerobic activity and  strength training twice a week. 

8-10 correct: skilled misinformation detector 

Congrats! You’re an expert at spotting breast cancer misinformation. You can play a role in stopping the spread of misinformation by sharing your knowledge with your friends and family or pointing them towards reliable sources of information for breast cancer, like Breastcancer.org. 

5-7 correct: you know your stuff! 

Nice job! You can spot misinformation and tell facts from fiction. Learn more about risk factors and treatments to brush up on your knowledge. 

1-4 correct: watch out for misinformation 

Knowledge is power! You can learn more about breast cancer and how to lower your risk by reading our articles on diet, exercise, and risk assessments, learning about the latest breast cancer news, or attending one of our webinars on timely breast cancer topics. By equipping yourself with accurate information, you can better advocate for yourself and your health.