Expert Debunks Myth Linking Breast Cancer Prevention to Breast Sucking

Dr. Sam Adegboye, a urologist and Assistant Chief Medical Officer at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido-Ekiti, has dismissed the claim that frequent breast sucking can prevent breast cancer. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Adegboye addressed common myths surrounding breast cancer. He emphasized that there’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that breast sucking reduces cancer risk. Instead, he urged women to focus on proven preventive measures, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle and performing regular breast self-examinations. He recommended watching instructional videos online to learn proper self-examination techniques. Dr. Adegboye also warned that hormonal changes caused by certain contraceptives during adolescence may increase the risk of breast cancer. He explained that hormonal imbalances can lead to abnormal pain or tissue growth in the breasts.

Additionally, he noted that breast trauma could potentially contribute to cancer development, stressing the importance of early detection, or breast health monitoring, he advised women to undergo clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography). Other diagnostic tools like ultrasound, MRI, and biopsies are also effective in identifying potential issues.

Dr. Adegboye encouraged women to maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and adopt healthier lifestyle habits to reduce their breast cancer risk.

He also addressed common misconceptions, such as the belief that:

Men cannot develop breast cancer (they can).

Breast cancer is contagious (it is not).

Only older women are affected.

Breast cancer is only linked to family history or always presents with a lump.

He concluded by emphasizing that breast cancer risk is influenced by a combination of genetics, hormones, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, as highlighted by the American Cancer Society and other health organizations.