Quick Take
A social media post claims that Pap smears, biopsies, and mammograms cause more harm than good. We fact checked this claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram reel featuring Barbara O’Neill makes several alarming claims. The video advises women to never get a Pap smear, alleging it can damage the cervix, and warns against biopsies, claiming they cause even more harm. It also strongly discourages mammograms, comparing the procedure to a woman lying topless on a highway while a semi-trailer crushes her, stating that the breasts are “squashed” and exposed to a significant amount of radio waves—suggesting mammograms contribute to causing breast cancer. Furthermore, the video claims that bras made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon can lead to breast cancer, and urges viewers to switch to cotton or bamboo bras to “change the industry.”
Fact Check
Do Pap smears damage the cervix?
No, they do not. A Pap smear is a screening test which can detect precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. It involves gently collecting a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. This procedure is generally safe and does not cause damage to the cervix. Some women may experience mild discomfort or light spotting afterwards, but this is temporary and not indicative of harm. Regular Pap smears are crucial for the early detection of cervical abnormalities, allowing for timely intervention and significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
Dr Ayush Heda, MD, DNB (Gynaecology), MCh, Fellow of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, Berlin, explains, “Pap smears are routine screening tests used to detect early changes in cervical cells, often before any symptoms appear. The procedure is safe and does not damage the cervix. At most, some women may feel mild discomfort or light spotting, but these effects are temporary. Pap smears play a key role in preventing cervical cancer by catching problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.”
Are biopsies harmful and do they cause more damage than Pap smears?
No, biopsies are not harmful. It is a diagnostic procedure used when tests like a Pap smear show abnormal cells. This involves taking a small tissue sample for further examination under a microscope. While more invasive than a Pap smear, a biopsy is crucial for accurately diagnosing any abnormalities and determining the right treatment. The risks or discomfort associated with a cervical biopsy are typically minimal and far outweighed by the need for an accurate diagnosis. Potential risks include a small chance of infection, slight bleeding, temporary numbness at the sample site, or minor injury to nearby areas. Though these effects are rare, they are possible. However, a biopsy does not cause more damage than the condition it is investigating.
Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, says that a biopsy is a common and safe method used to find out if someone has cancer. “There’s no strong evidence that a biopsy spreads cancer or harmful substances. The chances of cancer spreading because of a biopsy are extremely low. It’s done carefully to help doctors understand the condition better and plan the right treatment, not to make things worse,” she explains.
Do mammograms cause breast cancer?
No, this is false. Mammograms are a vital screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. They use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. While mammograms do involve exposure to radiation, the dose is extremely low and the benefits of early cancer detection far outweigh the minimal potential risk. The compression of the breasts during a mammogram is necessary to obtain clear images and does not cause cancer. Leading medical organisations worldwide endorse mammography as a safe and effective method for reducing breast cancer mortality through early detection. The analogy presented in the post is a sensationalist and inaccurate representation of the procedure.
Do bras made of artificial chemicals cause breast cancer?
No, this is inaccurate. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that wearing bras made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon causes breast cancer. Similarly, some claim that wearing a bra while sleeping can increase the risk of breast cancer. Numerous studies have investigated these issues, and none have found a link between bra type or material, wearing duration and breast cancer risk. Breast cancer is a complex disease with multiple risk factors, including genetics, age, family history, and lifestyle. The type of bra worn is not considered a significant risk factor. Recommending cotton or bamboo bras to prevent breast cancer is not supported by scientific evidence and may distract from proven prevention and early detection strategies.
Barbara O’Neill is a repeat offender when it comes to spreading health misinformation. Due to her history of making false and potentially harmful claims, the Australian government has banned her from providing any health advice in the country. In the past, we have debunked several of her widely circulated claims—for example, the false assertion that Elon Musk endorsed one of her remedies for erectile dysfunction and prostatitis, as well as the misleading claim that cloves can clean the lungs and stop coughing within three days.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Pap smears, biopsies, and mammograms cause more harm than good is false. The Instagram post contains multiple false and misleading claims about women’s health screenings and breast cancer risk factors. It is crucial to rely on information from trusted medical professionals and organisations rather than baseless claims on social media. Pap smears, biopsies, and mammograms are essential medical procedures for early detection and prevention of serious diseases.
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