Most women experience changes in their breasts, including pain, sensitivity, and the appearance of lumps, often caused by menstrual hormones. Breasts consist of connective tissue, glandular tissue, and fatty tissue. These different types of tissue are felt differently when touched—connective and glandular tissue feels dense, while fatty tissue is softer. Medical experts remind us that self-examining the breasts and undergoing regular annual check-ups are ways to monitor breast health and detect any changes early.
Some breast changes are completely normal, while others are not
Breast changes can be perfectly normal, while others may indicate an issue or the onset of a disease that needs immediate attention.
Breast pain and sensitivity
Breast pain, especially in young women, usually isn’t cause for concern. If the pain intensifies before menstruation and disappears after, it’s typically reasonable since breast sensitivity during that time is very common. Of course, similar reactions can be caused by ill-fitting bras, weight gain, or exercise. As women age, their breasts can become more sensitive due to heightened responsiveness to gravity and weight changes. The best way to combat this is by wearing a supportive bra.
Breast lumps
Women aged 20 to 30 may feel lumps during menstruation. If a lump appears and disappears after menstruation in this age range, it’s typically a cyst. However, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor to confirm the nature of the lump. Ignoring any mass in the tissue, regardless of the woman’s age, is never a safe practice.
Nipple discharge
For women of all ages, a small amount of nipple discharge from both breasts can be normal. This discharge can occur due to stimulation or pressure and is usually nothing to worry about. However, if nipple discharge occurs spontaneously, comes from only one breast, or contains blood, it could be a symptom of something more serious and requires a medical examination.
Changes in breast shape or texture
It’s normal for breasts to have different sizes. However, if breasts change shape suddenly or there are asymmetrical changes in size, it’s important to take notice. Women over 60 should also pay attention to the skin of their breasts. A medical examination is necessary if any sudden changes in skin texture are observed, such as folds, indentations, redness, or itching.
Regular check-ups can save lives
Every woman should undergo a regular gynecological examination, including breast examinations—ultrasound and mammography—once a year. Self-examination can be done during showers by feeling the breast tissue. In any case, regular check-ups are essential and should not be postponed.
Breast self-examination
Breast self-examination is a key method for detecting lumps. Statistics indicate that around 40% of breast cancer cases are discovered by women themselves. It’s advised to perform a self-examination once a month to track any changes, as abnormalities can be problematic.
Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray image of the breast and can detect breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt. It uses a minimal amount of radiation necessary to create an image and is entirely safe when administered by a medical professional. Every woman should undergo a mammogram before the age of 50 because three-dimensional breast images can aid in assessing dense tissue. Women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, should consider getting this examination earlier if they fall into a higher-risk group.
