Sucking breasts, deodorants do not cause breast cancer – Dr. Tackie

A clinical oncologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Judith Naa Odey Tackie, has debunked some common misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, clarifying that sucking the breast and the use of deodorants do not increase a person’s risk of developing the disease.

According to her, the belief that sucking a woman’s breast could either increase or reduce the risk of breast cancer has no basis.

She explained that breastfeeding, rather than increasing the risk of breast cancer, can help reduce the risk.

Dr Tackie also dismissed claims that the use of deodorants causes breast cancer, urging the public to rely on accurate medical information rather than myths and misconceptions.

She made the remarks on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at a Breast Cancer Awareness Forum organised by Medifem Multi-specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre in partnership with the Dzidula Pink Foundation.

The forum brought together breast cancer survivors, health professionals, stakeholders and advocates to promote awareness and encourage early detection of the disease.

Dr Tackie stressed the importance of detecting breast cancer early, noting that early detection can help prevent the disease from spreading and improve treatment outcomes.

She, however, discouraged women from relying solely on self-examination to determine whether they have breast cancer.

Instead, she encouraged women to visit health facilities for proper clinical examination whenever they notice changes or abnormalities in their breasts.

She urged the public to seek professional medical advice and avoid allowing myths surrounding breast cancer to delay appropriate medical care.