ARE YOUR BREASTS NORMAL? SOME WOMEN FIND A SOFT BRA WORN AT NIGHT CAN RELIEVE SYMPTOMS TOO’’
My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you
Everyone knows a new lump in the breast needs urgent attention but that’s not the only sign of breast cancer. What’s more, many women have naturally lumpy breasts, so it’s important to know what’s normal for you and get into the habit of checking your breasts regularly. You’re the best person to spot a change.
Check your breasts in the bathroom mirror with your arms down, with your hands firmly on your hips, and with arms above your head. Look for areas where the skin is puckered, persistent eczema on a nipple, or areas of skin that look dimpled, like orange peel. See your doctor if you find any of these.
Most women naturally have one breast slightly bigger than the other, and your breasts get more droopy after the menopause, but a change in shape or size of one breast needs examining by a doctor.
Some women have nipples that naturally turn in and that’s not a concern, but if one of your nipples changes from being turned out to turning in, it should always be checked out urgently. So should a discharge from the nipple, especially if it’s bloodstained.
Once you’re in the bath or lying in bed, run the flat of your fingers over your breast, including the armpit. If you still have periods, your breasts are likely to change during your cycle, becoming bigger, more tender and more lumpy in the run-up to your period. That’s normal if they do this every month, and the lumpiness settles after your period. But if lumps persist, especially if they’re hard or craggy, or don’t move around freely, get checked.
IF MORE THAN 1 WOMAN IN YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY HAS HAD BREAST CANCER, TELL YOUR DOCTOR – THEY MAY RECOMMEND EXTRA SCREENING
“Cyclical” breast pain, which gets worse before your period and settles afterwards, is usually due to hormonal changes: more than 2 in 3 women get breast pain, and up to 1 in 5 have significant pain lasting at least 7 days a month. It tends to be worst in the upper outer quarter, near your armpits, and affects both breasts, but may be worse on one side.
However, if you have non-cyclical breast pain, your doctor will want to check if it’s actually coming from your breasts – some women have inflammation of the chest wall under the breasts. Breast pain on one side, accompanied by redness or swelling always needs looking into – it can be a sign of infection or, rarely, breast cancer.
Although pain is very rarely a symptom of breast cancer, your doctor will be happy to discuss treatment options if it’s interfering with your life. Treatment will depend on whether your doctor thinks it’s coming from the breast or somewhere else. Sometimes a properly fitted bra will help, and some women find a soft bra worn at night can relieve symptoms. Simple painkiller tablets or anti-inflammatory gel are well worth a try. If you’re using HRT or the combined oral contraceptive pill, changing to a different form of HRT or contraceptive may be recommended. For more severe cyclical pain, your GP may suggest referring you to a specialist clinic for hormone blocking treatment.
While breast cancer can affect younger women, especially if it runs in your family, the vast majority of women who develop breast cancer are over 50. About 1 in 20 cases is down to a faulty gene, so you inherit a higher risk. It’s more likely if multiple women in your family were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 50, and if they’re close family members – mother, sister or daughter. Next week: What is your body saying?
PAIN ON ONE BREAST WITH A BLISTERING RASH MAY BE SHINGLES. SEE A DOCTOR AS EARLY TREATMENT HELPS PREVENT LONG TERM PAIN