What to Know About Breast Health

Breast health is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide? About 30% of cancers in women are cancers of the breast, and around 2.3 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year (1). Identifying breast cancers early is incredibly important — we know that the earlier a cancer is identified, the easier it is to treat, and the better chance that the cancer can be cured. There are also other breast conditions that can be spotted on a breast exam. Do you know how to recognize the signs of a breast condition? Read here to learn about self-examination and when to see a doctor for more help!

What’s normal?

Breasts come in different shapes and sizes, which is perfectly normal. Your breasts should be generally the same size and shape, but it’s very common for one to be slightly larger than the other. They can also change size and shape throughout your life, especially if you become pregnant or breastfeed. The skin of your breast should be smooth, with no dimpling or unexplained red areas. It’s normal to have a few hairs, especially around the areola. There shouldn’t be any discharge or fluid coming from your nipples, unless you’re breastfeeding.

Many women experience some amount of breast tenderness associated with their menstrual cycles (“cyclic pain”). Estrogen can cause the tissue in your breasts to swell, which can make them quite sore. This is can be totally normal, but if breast tenderness bothers you, seems to change, favors one breast, or is not associated with a particular time in your cycle, you might ask a doctor for further advice.

What are some signs I should ask for help?

  • A “lump”

  • One breast changes in size or shape

  • The surface texture changes, including: dimpling, redness, heat, etc.

  • Nipples that invert (and haven’t always been that way)

  • Nipples that change shape, color, or direction

  • Discharge or fluid

  • Pain or tenderness

  • Something feels “off”

Regular checkups?

How often you get a breast checkup by a professional depends on a few things, including your age, risk factors, and local guidelines. Always refer to your own doctor for advice, but as a general rule, women over aged 50 usually should receive a mammogram every 2 years. This is a scan which doctors can use to look for changes to the breast tissue, including cancers.

Clinical breast exams are usually recommended every time you see your provider, or every 1-3 years, from the time you reach adulthood. There are other exams that can be done, but these are the standard two that most women will have!

How do I do a breast self-examination?

This might feel daunting, but doing a breast exam is quite simple, and important to protect your health! The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends a monthly self-exam (2). Here are the steps:

  1. Look for changes to your breasts by standing in front of a mirror, noticing any changes to color, texture, shape, or size. Bring your hands above your head and look again. Next, plant your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles and check again. (Your breasts probably aren’t perfectly symmetrical and that’s okay! Once you know what’s normal for you, keep an eye out for changes.)

  2. Feel for changes by lying down and examining each breast one at a time. Lift one hand above your head and reach across with the other hand, and feel the full area of your breast and underarm for any changes, especially any lumps or areas of soreness. Use light and firm pressure and feel in small circular motions. Squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.

Here’s a great video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrfE6JUwIms&t=7s

What if there’s a lump?

This is a good time to visit your doctor, but don’t panic! Most lumps are not cancer, but it’s always worth checking to be sure. Your doctor may perform a breast exam and/or ask for a mammogram. About 80-90% of breast lumps are non-cancers. In fact, about 50-60% of women will develop a condition called “fibrocystic change”, which can feel like a lump but is entirely benign. Any time you have concerns for your health is a good time to check in with a doctor!

As always, our content is not intended as personal medical advice, only as educational and informative content. Please seek medical care where necessary!

Further questions? Please reach out via our Contact Us page!

Resources:

  1. https://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(22)00144-8/fulltext

  2. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/#:~:text=Place%20a%20pillow%20under%20your,check%20for%20discharge%20and%20lumps.

  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrfE6JUwIms&t=7s

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