One
of the reasons for doing a monthly self examination of your breasts is to
become familiar with their structure so you can recognize changes that may
indicate the onset of breast cancer. However, some breast lumps are normal. If
your breast feels especially lumpy and uncomfortable, you're probably
experiencing fibrocystic breast changes.
Sixty
percent of all women of child bearing age have lumpy breasts caused by
fibrocystic growths. These benign cells
are characterized by irregular areas of
thicker tissue with a lumpy or ridge-like surface, or tiny bead-like masses
scattered throughout the breasts. As a
result of these growths, your breasts may feel tender and sensitive to the
touch.
Fibrocystic changes are
associated with hormonal shifts in estrogen and progesterone, which affect the
breast tissue. During the menstrual cycle, the breasts swell as the milk glands
and ducts enlarge and the breasts retain water. After menstruation breast
swelling decreases, but overtime fibrocystic growth may appear. Generally beginning when women are in their
twenties or thirties, these growths usually last until menopause.
So how do you know if a
lump is normal or if it poses a threat to your health? The fact is you won’t know until you become
familiar with the feel of your own breasts by doing a monthly self examination. Keep in mind that a lump that grows quickly
over a short period of time is always a cause for concern, and seek medical
attention from your doctor immediately. Recognizing
that the majority of breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 40, it is
important that you begin breast self examination at an early age to ensure you
are well equipped to recognize abnormalities within your breast tissue.
If you
aren’t already doing a monthly breast self examination and need material on the
proper procedure, or if you have trouble remembering to do it, follow us on Facebook, twitter (@thegirlsbrashop), or join our email newsletter and we'll send you monthly reminders and resources we find.
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Resources:
Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.
