It is always best to know your own body and any changes that occur. This is especially true regarding your breasts. While the American Cancer Society no longer recommends monthly self-breast exams, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology believes, and our practice strongly believes, that it is still relevant along with a yearly clinical breast exam by your provider, as well as appropriate mammogram screenings.
Most breast changes and lumps are not related to cancer. Your mammary glands (breasts) are made of fat, glandular and connective tissue. Breast tissue changes in response to varying menstrual cycle levels of estrogen and progesterone. Generally, tender lumps or soreness you may feel are related to these hormonal changes. A non-tender lump is more concerning and at least a call to us and probable evaluation is recommended. If you ever experience either of these or are concerned and need reassurance, we have same-day appointments to offer or we will always squeeze you in as this can cause excessive worrying. Likewise, any nipple discharge whether spontaneous or with nipple stimulation, or any skin changes such as breast dimpling or puckering as well as any signs of any redness, swelling or change in breast size, must be evaluated.
The best defense against breast cancer is early detection generally by age/family history appropriate screening mammograms. A mammogram can find cancers 10 years before they become palpable or clinically apparent. 85% of women who develop breast cancer have NO family history. Family history in premenopausal family members, especially first-degree relatives, requires closer, earlier screening and may include genetic testing. This is why not only knowing your family history is key, but also the age a family member was diagnosed with breast or other cancers is important.
The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman and increasing age. That said, young women while rarer, can develop breast cancer. While not common, men can also develop breast cancer. If a male loved one ever develops any of the previously mentioned symptoms or breast tenderness, asymmetry, redness, or swelling of their pectoral muscles, they need evaluation. Any person of any age that notices any breast changes, needs to contact their health care provider.
Early screening and knowing your family history of ALL cancers and lifestyle can mitigate, or delay or perhaps prevent a diagnosis of breast cancer. Research has shown that alcohol, added sugars, excessive dietary fat, being overweight, lack of exercise, and elevated insulin levels all increase the risk of breast cancer. Minimizing alcohol consumption to one alcoholic beverage per week, eating a largely plant-based and whole grain diet, minimizing juices, sweets, and added sugars, eating 3-5 daily servings of whole fruits and vegetables (emphasis on the veggies) including mushrooms, and exercising 5-7 times per week, may decrease your breast cancer risk. Generally speaking, premenopausal breast cancer is more aggressive than a post-menopausal diagnosis, yet post-menopausal breast cancer is more common and prevalent due to the risk of increasing age and declining immunity.
Breast cancer today is very treatable and survivable. Approximately 84 % of women survive breast cancer longer than 5 years but this is dependent upon many factors including age, tumor size and grade, stage, hormone receptor and growth factor protein status. Again, the key to a good outcome is EARLY diagnosis. Know your body and undergo the recommended screening for your age and family history. Come in for your yearly GYN visit and breast check and do your monthly breast exams the day after your period is over or the same day every month if you are postmenopausal. Remember, most breast problems are not cancer-related. We are here to reassure you and evaluate. Our motto is "when in doubt, check it out" and we hope you will adopt this sentiment as well.
Finally, being concerned about a potential breast problem can be scary and unnerving. We are here to reassure you. Even though most breast concerns are benign and not cancerous, we are very proactive regarding breast issues and aside from mammography and breast ultrasound, we have breast specialists that we can refer you to. They are the ones that evaluate the most women with breast cancers and benign breast problems. We individualize our care and refer women based on their physical, AND emotional needs. We want to reassure you and help you sleep at night.