Each breast mostly consists of fatty tissues that contain milk-producing cells in groups. The quantity of fatty tissue and the health of the muscles and ligaments that support the breast dictate its size and shape. Women frequently have one breast that is somewhat bigger than the other. The development of one or more lumps in the typically soft breast tissue can also be a sign of a problem, as can pain, tenderness, form or overall look changes (including those to the skin just above the breasts). Even though the majority of breast issues are minor and manageable, it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes and to inform your doctor of any alteration or visible anomaly so that the chance of breast cancer (one of the most common types of cancer affecting women) can be ruled out.
BREAST SELF-EVALUATION
Self-examination of the breasts should be a routine for all adult females. This makes it easier for you to acquire accustomed to the feel and form of your breasts, making it easier to recognize changes and address issues as soon as they occur. Follow the regimen outlined below once a month, ideally at the end of each menstrual cycle.
- With your arms at your sides, stand in front of a good mirror and check your breasts and nipples from the front and sides for any changes in their shapes or the texture of the skin.
- With your arms raised, take another look.
- Use the flat of the right hand’s fingers to feel all over the left breast while the left arm is still lifted. Examine the right breast once more with the left hand.
- Place a pillow under your left shoulder and place your left arm behind your head while lying down. As before, feel around the left breast with the right hand while moving inward from the outer edges to the nipple at the center.
- Examine the region around the breasts, under the armpit, and within the armpit, first with the left arm raised and then by your side.
- Squeeze the nipples lightly to feel for any discharge.
Repeat steps 4,5 and 6 to inspect the right breast with the left hand.
When you should see your doctor
Consult your doctor right away if you observe any of the following when performing your routine breast self-examination or at any other time:
- A lump in the breast or armpit.
- A change to the breast’s shape.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Nipple retraction (indentation).
- Any modification to the breast’s skin, such as puckering or dimpling.
The first few times you check your breasts, keep in mind that many of the bumps you notice will be quite normal since you are still getting to know your breasts. Consult your doctor, however, if you are concerned that you have discovered something unusual.
BREAST CANCER
At least 1 out of every 9 women will develop breast cancer, making it the most prevalent cancer that affects women. The most effective strategy to identify and treat this frequent cancer is still being researched in clinical studies. Over the past few years, recommendations for detection and treatment have changed. If you have any questions about the recommendations being made right now, speak with your doctor.
Risk factors
The chance of developing breast cancer has been linked to a number of factors in recent years. These have an impact on women in the following groups:
- Women who are childless or who had their first child later in life.
- Overweight females.
- Women with close relatives who have had the disease.
If you believe you fall into a high-risk category, let your doctor know. He or she will take this into consideration when recommending a breast cancer test for you.
Screening
The majority of breast cancer risk factors are outside of your control, but regular screening can help to guarantee that the disease is caught early. This includes mammography for elderly women and monthly self-examination of the breasts. There may be changes to the recommendations for routine mammography. Speak with your doctor. There are currently breast screening clinics in some cities. Without a recommendation, these are accessible to all women. These clinics offer mammograms and other facilities to diagnose breast anomalies in addition to teaching breast self-examination.
Making the diagnosis
The emergence of a painless lump in the breast or armpit is the most typical indication of breast cancer. But any of the signs and symptoms mentioned in the breast self-examination (above) could be cancer. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your breasts. The doctor will recommend you for tests if they think you may have cancer.
- Mammography: A breast X-ray using low radiation.
- Aspiration: Used when a cyst is suspected. A fine needle is inserted into the lump to draw a sample of fluid for examination.
- Frozen-section biopsy: Requires a general anesthesia. The lump is removed in full or in part through a breast incision. The bulge is then cut open and examined in part. If cancerous cells have been identified, the breast may be removed entirety or in part with your permission.