Bosom Buddies
You are your breasts’ best friend—and advocate. We asked Dr. Grunfeld a few breast-health questions to help you get to know your breasts a little better so you can give them the care they deserve.
Sometimes, my breasts are really sore. Is that normal?
Breast tenderness is common around menstruation and, generally, not cause for concern. But what if you experience discomfort not related to your menstrual cycle? “Breast pain isnʼt an indicator of breast cancer,” says Dr. Grunfeld. Pain in the breast area is often caused by other structures in the chest and around the breast, such as the muscles, she says. Trying a new move in yoga class or even carrying a heavy purse on the same shoulder every day can lead to strain in the muscles and the cartilage under your breasts, resulting in some discomfort. If the problem is severe and persists, you should check with your doctor to rule out other potential medical concerns—hormonal changes that may require treatment.
Is squishing my breasts into a sports bra bad for them?
There’s no reason to think any style or shape of bra is better than another or that bras are related to the health of your breasts, says Dr. Grunfeld. But your bra can play into how your breasts feel. “Pain can be associated with a poorly fitting bra,” she says. If you have discomfort or chafing from your bra, or you wear a larger cup size, consider getting professionally fitted to ensure that your breasts are properly and comfortably supported.
Does the skin on my chest need sun protection?
“Definitely, sunscreen is vital,” says Dr. Grunfeld. Apply SPF 30 daily to exposed skin on your chest, just like you would for your face and your neck. And don’t neglect your décolletage when moisturizing the rest of your body at night or after a shower. The skin on your chest is delicate and prone to signs of aging, including age spots and wrinkles, so it should be treated with care.
Do I need a mammogram?
Although the benefits of mammography have been hotly debated in recent years, due in part to overdiagnosis, regular screening is recommended. “We still feel that the benefits for the individual woman outweigh the risks,” says Dr. Grunfeld, referring to the possibility of needing additional testing, such as breast biopsies, which can cause added stress. Canadian women of average risk between the ages of 50 and 69 should have a mammogram every two years. Mammography for women under 50 is less reliable (because younger women tend to have denser breast tissue, which makes it more difficult to detect lumps), but if youʼre considered high risk (because of a strong family history or the presence of certain gene mutations, for example), you and your doctor can discuss the possibility of an early or more intensive screening program.