Breast Health and Self Exams
Breast health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for women, and regular self-exams are an important component of breast health awareness. Why does it matter? Breast health matters because breast cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Early detection increases the likelihood that treatment will be successful and curative. Now that we know why breasts are so important, let’s review the anatomy of the breast.
First, let’s review the tissue. There’s glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. Glandular tissue includes lobes, lobules, and mammary glands involved in lactation. Breasts also contain lymph nodes, which are components of the lymphatic system. They are responsible for draining lymphatic fluid from the breasts.
It is important to be aware of the feel and appearance of your breasts throughout your menstrual cycle. Regular self-exams should be done at the same time of the menstrual cycle each month to monitor for any changes in the breast not associated with cyclical and hormonal changes. Any changes in size, texture, shape, or palpable lumps that are not normal during that phase of the menstrual cycle should be noted and discussed with a licensed practitioner. A clinical breast exam should be performed yearly as part of a gynecological wellness check. Some professionals are moving away from self-exams and clinical breast exams as mammography is more sensitive in detecting breast cancer. That being said, you know your breasts and if you are concerned, your practitioner should also be concerned.
Mammograms take X-ray images of the breasts and are essential for breast cancer screening. Regular mammograms are recommended based on age and risk factors. The typical onset of mammogram screening is between ages 40-50 depending on if the practitioner uses recommendations from the American Cancer Society, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. It is vitally important that you make a screening plan with your doctor based on your risk factors.
How to appropriately do a breast self-exam:
Pick a day. For menstruating women, pick a day a few days after your menstrual period as this will provide the most consistent hormonal levels for detecting any changes. Postmenopausal women should pick a specific day of the month.
Start with looking at the breasts while standing in front of the mirror with your arms at your side. Look at the breasts and look for any changes in size, shape, skin texture, redness, dimpling, or changes in nipple appearance or discharge.
Raise your arms up and look for the same changes as you were looking for with the arms down.
Next, hop in the shower and glide your hands over the breasts and into the armpits looking for any lumps, bumps, texture changes, or skin thickening.
Finish your shower, hop out, dry off, and palpate the breasts while lying down on your back just like the doctor does during your check-up. Bring one arm above the head and use the other to palpate the breast and armpit in the same fashion as you did in the shower.
That’s it! See you again in a month!
Warning signs that there may be a problem and you should go see your doctor include new hard lumps or masses in the breast, changes in breast size/shape, changes in skin texture, nipple changes or asymmetrical appearance, and new or unusual discharge.
A person’s risk for breast cancer does increase as we age and females are more at risk of developing breast cancer though biological males can develop breast cancer! A family history of breast cancer or certain gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. If a family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer, please be tested early and check in frequently with your doctor to develop a screening plan! Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause may also increase the risk of breast cancer in certain populations. Always talk to your doctor before beginning hormone replacement therapy to determine risk vs benefit.
In conclusion, breast health is integral to overall well-being, and regular self-exams, clinical exams, and mammograms are essential components of early detection and prevention. Maintaining awareness, understanding one's normal breast anatomy, and promptly addressing any changes or concerns with healthcare providers contribute to optimal breast health. Regular discussions with healthcare providers about risk factors, screening schedules, and personalized care plans further support breast health throughout a woman's life.
