do seatbelts cause breast cancer after a high impact accident?

Question

my co-worker just had a bad car accident yesterday morning. she called in this morning to let us know how she was feeling. she said that her doctor would like for her to get a mammogram because seatbelts may cause breast cancer. I have never heard of this in the past. is the doctor correct in letting her know this?

Answer 1

Many things can cause breast cancer, however I don't believe that is the case.

I was in a bad accident (back axle broken, tires shredded, window imploded, ripped my jeans, and bloody), at no time was I ever requested to get a mammogram to check, and my doctor checked for everything even when I didn't need it.

Perhaps it runs in her family and he believes that something that jarring could force a tumor to the surface when earlier tests showed nothing.

Answer 2

There is no link between impact to the breast and cancer.

And even if there was....it would take some time to be visible on a mammogram.

I suspect she has got a bit confused about something the doctor said (understandable after the shock of a car accident). Maybe the mammogram is just standard preventative practice for her age.

Answer 3

One has nothing to do with the other. I would tell tell your co-worker to get a second opinion. Don't get me wrong it is always good to have a mammogram done. But, I don't think she has anything to worry about.

However you might be interested in reading the link that I have below. The link between breast cancer and bras.

Answer 4

There is some anecdotal evidence to support the theory that an injury to the breast can cause cancer.

Research to date has shown that it is more likely that the injury to the breast leads to closer examination discovering an already existing cancer.

However, as we don't know all the causes for all cancers as yet, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 5

There is no correlation between seatbelts and breast cancer. The mammogram would not reveal cancer unless it is already present even before the injury. However your friend may develop a mass on her breast secondary to traumatic fat necrosis. Although the natural history of fat necrosis is one of spontaneous resolution, excisional biopsy is usually required to exclude malignancy.

Answer 6

hmm...if this were the case then it would present an interesting dilemma and two difficult choices for the female driver to consider:

1) Do I wear my seatbelt, knowing that it will save my life if I am in a "high-impact" accident but also being aware that it will leave me with Breast Cancer?
or
2) Do I NOT wear my seatbelt, even knowing that it will save my life if I am in a "high-impact" accident and thus, avoid getting Breast Cancer that wearing those seatbelts would have caused?

hmm.....

Answer 7

seems the international has greater significant problems to stand. look at it this way: the seatbelt could save your life in a automobile accident or avert worse injuries vs an unknown danger of breast maximum cancers. why contemplate the unknown, whilst seat belts are shown to save lives??!!

Answer 8

There is common sense in it. If the tissue has been damaged it stands to reason that it would be more open to disease. Cancer is a scary word. Until we know the exact causes of it, it's wise to take certain precautions about things like that.

Answer 9

Seat belts cannot cause cancer .That is something in her genes.I see nothing wrong with her getting a mammogram.I do suggest a 2nd opinion for her.I hope she gets well soon.

Answer 10

there is no correlation to a breast injury and breast cancer
its a myth and she needs to seek a different MD

http://www.fbhc.org/Patients/Modules/breastcancer.cfm