Your breasts reveal your state of health

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Extract from the article: Breasts are often viewed from an aesthetic or maternal perspective, but they also play an essential role as health indicators. Their shape and texture, and how they change with age, can reveal early signs of various illnesses, including breast cancer

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Breasts are often viewed from an aesthetic or maternal perspective, but they also play an essential role as health indicators. Their shape and texture, and how they change with age, can reveal early signs of various illnesses, including breast cancer, infections or hormonal imbalances. At every stage of life, changes can occur, some natural and others pathological. Understanding these changes and learning how to detect them can help you to stay healthy.

Just like your skin, eyes or nails, your breasts are powerful indicators of your general state of health. In fact, they can show significant changes that deserve attention. Understanding the signs that the breasts can reveal is essential for your well-being. Not only can it help detect early problems, but it can also guide screening and medical examinations.

Normal variations according to age and menstrual cycle

Breasts undergo changes throughout a woman's life. Before menstruation, under the effect of hormones, they can become more sensitive, swollen and sometimes painful. During pregnancy, the mammary glands prepare for breastfeeding, resulting in an increase in size and changes to the areola. After giving birth, breastfeeding can cause variations in volume and sometimes engorgement. With the menopause, the breasts gradually lose glandular density and become more oily, changing their consistency.

Warning signs

A hard, fixed, painless lump in the breast or armpit may be the sign of a tumour.A sudden change in shape or marked asymmetry is something to look out for.Other symptoms such as abnormal discharge from the nipple (blood, clear or greenish fluid), persistent redness, a nipple that retracts or skin that becomes deformed should prompt medical attention.

Breast cancer: the silent enemy

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. There are several risk factors: genetic (family history), hormonal (prolonged exposure to oestrogen) and environmental (smoking, alcohol, obesity).Early detection is vital: self-examination can detect a suspicious mass, but only medical follow-up (mammography, ultrasound) can provide an accurate diagnosis.Treatment varies according to the stage: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.

Breast infections and mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that occurs mainly in breastfeeding women.It manifests itself as intense pain, redness, swelling and sometimes fever.It is generally caused by bacteria entering through a crack in the nipple. Antibiotic treatment and milk drainage are often necessary. Other, rarer infections may be associated with abscesses that require surgical treatment.

Hormonal disorders and benign diseases

Many benign conditions can affect the breasts.Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous tumours often found in young women. 

Fluid-filled mammary cysts are common and can cause cyclical pain.  Hormonal imbalances linked to the contraceptive pill or the premenopause can influence breast sensitivity. These conditions require regular monitoring, but are rarely serious.

Prevention

Regular self-examination: every woman should carry out a breast self-examination once a month, preferably a week after her period.This involves gently palpating each breast using circular movements, checking for texture and the presence of abnormalities.Observing your breasts in front of a mirror can also help to detect changes in shape or colour.

Medical check-ups that shouldn't be overlooked: an annual gynaecological check-up ensures that you receive appropriate follow-up.After the age of 40, a mammogram every two years is recommended for early detection of breast cancer. If there is a family history, earlier monitoring may be necessary.

A healthy lifestyle

A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts) and antioxidants can reduce the risk of breast cancer.Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity are also protective factors.

It's up to every woman to know her body, to watch out for the slightest changes and not to hesitate to consult a doctor if in doubt.  Regular preventive care can make all the difference in detecting and treating breast-related illnesses.

Raymond DZAKPATA

Source: Guide ‘Breast health: what is normal breast health?’ by CancerCare Manitoba