Understanding your body’s typical range and when to visit your doctor is the first step in understanding breast health. Here are five essential breast health facts.
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1. Breast pain might result from hormonal changes
Tenderness, swelling, or lumps in your breast tissue are typical responses to hormonal changes, particularly soon before or during your menstrual cycle. These changes can also occur in persons undergoing hormone replacement therapy or utilizing hormonal contraceptives.
2. Cysts and lumps are frequent
Breast lumps are typical, particularly in those under 50. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs wedged inside the breast tissue, can be the origin of some lumps. Cysts can feel soft or hard, and some patients may experience simultaneous development of several cysts. Surgery or using a small needle to empty the cyst’s fluid are two possible treatments.
Fibroadenomas, non-cancerous tumors consisting of connective and glandular breast tissue, are the source of other breast lumps. They frequently swell up after menopause and become sensitive before and during your period. Breast lumps should be examined by your doctor even though they are mostly benign.
3. There are numerous causes of nipple issues
Numerous people will go through phases of nipple alteration over time, including discharge, discomfort, tenderness, bleeding, swelling, and changing form. Your nipple health can be impacted by pregnancy, illness, and breast tissue damage. If you have discomfort that lasts more than a few days or have nipple discharge but are not pregnant, you should consult a doctor.
4. Consistent self-examination of Breast health can result in early detection
Self-examination of your breasts on a regular basis will help you become more aware of any changes to how they feel and look. While the majority of changes found during a self-exam are benign, a few can indicate a potentially serious problem.
“To keep track of changes in your breasts, the American Cancer Society advises performing routine self-examinations. Tenderness, asymmetry, textural alterations, and breast lumps are just a few of the possible changes. If you see anything unusual, let your doctor know.
5. Breast health exams save lives
A mammogram is a breast X-ray that medical professionals use to check for early indications of breast cancer. Mammograms should start at age 40 and be yearly. The greatest method for detecting breast cancer early is a mammogram.
In retrospect, being a woman is the primary risk factor for developing breast cancer. However, there are additional factors that influence risk. Learning about your personal risk factors might help you make informed decisions regarding your lifestyle and screenings. Linked here is a BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT quiz that might help you prioritize. Click Here to go to the quiz.
PLEASE NOTE: This evaluation is intended for women. Additionally, it is not designed to replace a visit to your healthcare practitioner.
