Breast Changes Are Natural, Not Always Healthy

A good way to protect yourself against any disease is to pay attention to your body and what it’s trying to tell you.

With breast cancer incidence in women in the United States at 1 in 8 (about 13%), women should always watch for any abnormal breast changes that occur at any time during their life. Beginning by age 20, women should do a monthly breast self-examination (BSE), ideally one week after their menstrual period ends.

In your BSE, check for:

• The presence of a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast. Be sure to include the area around your breast and under your armpit.

• Change in the size or shape of your breast.

• Change in your nipple, such as inversion, crusting, ulcer, redness, or discharge.

• Unusual change in the skin of your breast, such as redness, wrinkles, or itchiness.

• If you do notice anything different during your BSE, remember that not all changes or lumps in your breast are harmful. Don't forget that 80–85% of all breast lumps are benign, especially in women under age 40.

• A large number of women experience harmless breast changes (tenderness, swelling, pain) before and during their period. In the days preceding their period, many women have some type of lumpiness in their breasts due to hormonal changes.

• Also, some women can have harmless nipple discharge if they take certain medications or have an infection.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

No one knows the exact cause of breast cancer, but there are some factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer.

Gender: Only about 1% of men have breast cancer.

Age: Breast cancer risk increases as you get older.

Race: Caucasian women have a higher incidence of breast cancer; however, the cancer is more aggressive in African-American women.

Weight: A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher increases your risk of breast cancer.

Family history: Your risk approximately doubles if you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Personal history: If you have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing a new cancer compared to women who never had cancer.

Birth control pills: This method of contraception is linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

Early menstruation: Maturing before age 12 prolongs exposure to estrogen and progesterone hormones.

Late menopause: Menopause after age 55 also means longer exposure to estrogen and progesterone.

Hormone replacement therapy: While sometimes necessary, it also prolongs exposure and natural balance of hormone, thus increasing your risk.

Delayed childbirth: Pregnancy reduces the number of menstrual cycles. This may explain why delaying pregnancy until after age 30, if at all, increases breast cancer risk.

Genetics: 5–10% of breast cancers are often caused by mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene inherited from one of your parents.

Shift work: Recent findings suggest women working night shifts have increased risk.

Reduce Your Risk

Integrating small changes to your daily life can minimize some risk factors.

Restrict your alcohol consumption.

Stay active. It has been shown that women who exercise regularly are at reduced risk of breast cancer compared to sedentary women. It's also a great way to maintain a healthy body weight.

Stop smoking. Research has demonstrated that women who smoke or who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke have an increased risk of cancer.

Eat healthy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and essential fats (omega-3) will help you maintain a healthy body weight and lower your risk.

Breastfeeding for 12 months or longer can decrease your risk of breast cancer.

There is growing evidence that high doses of vitamin D may be associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer. However, further study in this field is warranted.

If you ever have the chance, experience one of the raising awareness walks (for example, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer). For me it was a very humbling experience. I was encouraging my friend during her walk and saw so many people—kids, husbands, parents, families—whose lives have been touched by their loved ones’ battle with breast cancer.

Every woman is someone’s mother, daughter, aunt, or friend. As women we should not forget that early detection saves lives. It is critical to do everything in our power to prevent our families from experiencing the sorrow this disease causes.
Be proactive and do monthly breast self-exams. Never hesitate—seek medical attention if you have any concerns about breast changes.

My heart goes out to the many women who are fighting this great fight with strength and dignity. They are truly the heroes in this life story.

References

BreastCancer.Org. (2008). Retrieved fromhttp://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/risk/

Stoppler, M. M.D. (2009). MedicineNet.com. Retrieved from

http://www.medicinenet.com/male_breast_cancer/article.htm