Dr Jana Pit tman WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST HEALTH
HOW TO KNOW WHAT’S NORMAL
Breasts for me have always been a bit of an enigma. Probably because for most of my life I had none. Sport rarely goes hand in hand with good cleavage, although I know there are also women who must wear three bras and duct tape them down not to be in pain when exercising.
Then for me came the babies and holy moly, I felt like Pamela Anderson. Sadly (but proudly), after breastfeeding, my nipples are the only thing that remained massive, albeit pointing at my toes.
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and change greatly throughout life, but it is very important we get to know our own intimately. We have all heard about ‘examining’ our own breasts, but how many of us do it often enough? Not just a quick look in the mirror, but take the time to feel the different quadrants and up under the armpit?
One of my most humbling experiences was as a medical student when I met an amazing woman in the palliation unit. She had followed my sports career and we got talking about the Olympics. After the pleasantries I had the privilege of hearing her story.
She had noticed an unusual mark on the skin of her breast right near her nipple but thought little of it, and over the months it grew and looked like a skin infection.
Later, it became odorous and much larger, limiting what clothes she could wear. I asked her why she didn’t go the doctor and she replied initially she wasn’t worried, then she was too busy, then it became unsightly, and she was too embarrassed.
A few days later after our conversation, she passed away. She was only 47 years old and died of fungating breast cancer.
Our breasts have lobes (about 20) which contain glands, ducts, nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels, fat, and fibrous tissue. Most women have one breast larger than the other, and at certain times of the month, the breasts can be more tender and lumpier, particularly right before a period.
This can be normal and not concerning, but here is where it’s important to have a good feel of your breasts and know what is normal for you. This way, when changes do occur such as lumps, persistent rashes, shape or colour changes, nipple discharge, skin puckering or dimpling, you notice it! Then you visit your doctor.
It is recommended to self-check your breasts once a month, have a good look and feel, all around your breast and right up into the armpit. Women generally start having mammograms after the age of 50 years. Prior to this, the breast tissue is denser, so the results are more difficult to interpret. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer – or symptoms -- you should see your doctor earlier, where they will consider the best screening option for you.
The biggest thing, ladies (and gentlemen) is to talk about it! Encourage each other to get familiar with your own breasts and get help early. And remember: men get breast cancer, too!