General Advice On Breast Care
Skin firmness and tone are essential for an attractive contoured bust. The breast is held in place by a triangle of skin which extends from the chin to the base of the breast. It is the condition of this skin which determines the tone and firmness of the bust.
The condition of this 'natural bra' diminishes with time. The loss of condition can be aggravated by weight changes, pregnancy and the natural ageing process.
The shape of the breast is related to nutritional and endocrine status. As much of the breast shape is related to fat, changes in weight will affect the shape of the beast. Hormones affect the glandular part of the breast, causing the breasts to be fuller in the premenstrual period and in pregnancy. After menopause, lack of hormones is responsible for breast shrinkage.
The breast does not contain any muscle.
The mammary gland is sunk into fatty tissue, which gives volume to the breast. This gland is surrounded by an envelope of skin which determines the position of the breast on the chest wall.
The breast is not solidly fixed to the breast wall.
It is simply held in place by a 'fan' of skin which lies between the neck, the beginning of the shoulders and the bust. This fan acts as the very broad straps of a 'natural bra'. It is the condition of this natural bra which determines the shape, position and firmness of the bust.
Bust beauty treatments are aimed at improving the tone and condition of the skin which supports the breast, and the application of these cremes, gel or oils give women the opportunity to feel for any abnormal thickening or lumps.
The breast has no muscle but, by increasing the tone in the skin and improving posture, the breast shape can be improved. Mammary glands are heavy and have a natural tendency to sag, but they can be adequately supported in a well-fitting bra. Good advice is essential from an experienced bra-fitter to ensure comfort, confidence and appearance.
Warning Signs of Breast Disease
(extracts from Know Your Breasts by Dr. Edmund Kessler, Consultant Surgeon, Breast Clinic, Johannesburg Group of Teaching Hospitals and University of Witwatersrand)
1. Pain 2. Lump 3. Nipple Discharge 4. Skin Changes
1. Pain in the breast that is cyclical, presents premenstrually and disappears with the menstrual period, particularly in girls and young women, is usually insignificant.
Persistent pain or a new pain or a pricking sensation should be reported to your doctor.
2. A Lump that is discreet or easily felt or suddenly noticed should be seen by a doctor. Don't be afraid as 9 out of 10 lumps are statistically benign and harmless; but 9 out of 10 Breast Cancers are discovered by women themselves, so don't take a chance!
3. A Nipple Discharge that is clear, milky or dark brown is probably not a serious problem, but if it persists it should be seen to. Blood-stained secretion or frank blood in the nipple discharge should be seen to immediately - this may be an early warning sign of serious disease but in most cases it is due to a harmless wart-like growth in the duct (benign papilloma). So, don't be afraid, have it checked by your doctor.
4. Skin Changes such as a new dimple, nipple retraction (pulling-in of the nipple), tethering of the overlying skin with lifting the arm, ulceration or inflammation should be seen to immediately. This may be serious and requires urgent investigation.
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The first person to detect a breast problem is usually the woman herself and she must be taught what symptoms and complaints are important. She must be aware of which changes in the breast are significant to merit further examination. This is the essence of learning breast self-examination. This routine examination should be performed on a fixed day each month, and should become a habit.
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Remember, in the absence of other signs, 9 out of 10 lumps are benign (harmless), so don't be afraid to have all lumps assessed. FINDING THAT 1 IN 10 LUMP THAT IS MALIGNANT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Extracts from “THE IMPORTANCE OF MAMMOGRAPHY: A Guide For Taking Care of Your Breasts”
By Drs Schnetler, Corbett & Partners Inc., Radiologists
MAMMOGRAPHY:
More women are affected by breast cancer than any other type of cancer today. Through many studies and large surveys it has been found that routine mammography is extremely beneficial to women. Mammography allows for early detection of breast masses – long before they are felt clinically. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances for full recovery or cure. Routine mammography in Sweden has decreased the death rate from breast cancer by 31%. Mammography is the most reliable method of early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.
WHAT IS MAMMOGRAPHY?
Mammography is a special type of X-ray examination. State-of-the-art equipment is used, ensuring minimal dose of X-rays to the patient with no harmful effects. The breast is placed on a positioning plate ….. (and) is flattened by compression; this can be uncomfortable but is necessary to ensure high quality images while minimizing the radiation dose. Compression only occurs for a few seconds, and is usually painless. The examination is only performed by highly qualified radiographers.
WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A MAMMOGRAM?
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Women should have a routine “baseline” mammogram after 35 years of age; this serves as a basis for comparison with subsequent mammograms. For follow-up examinations it is imperative to compare with previous films.
Women with no symptoms:
Age:-
35 – 39: Baseline Study
40 – 49: Every 2 years
50 and up: Every year
SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY GUIDELINES:
If symptoms have already appeared, for example a palpable lump, mammography provides information on the structure and position of this tissue. Most changes detected are benign (non-cancerous) such as cysts, which if large or symptomatic, can be drained immediately.
Occasionally a suspect area on the mammogram requires biopsy. The suspect area is localized with a special needle, or a few cells are obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Preventative screening mammography gives you peace of mind, an awareness of your state of health and the ability to take preventative measures if necessary.
WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?
Whilst we are not yet sure what cause breast cancer, there are important factors that may place you at risk.
RISK FACTORS:
Being over the age of 50.
If your mother or sister had breast cancer, especially if it developed before menopause.
If you have never had a child or had your first child after the age of 35.
Early menstruation – before your teens.
Late menopause – after the age of 50.
Long-term hormone replacement therapy.
Your lifestyle may also play a very important role – take not of the following risk factors:
A diet high in animal fats.
Alcohol consumption – more than two drinks per day.
Smoking.
Overweight.
Low physical activity.
---oOo---Take-home Messages
1. Breast care is your responsibility. Don't be afraid to examine your breasts and have them checked regularly by your doctor.
2. Early detection of problems can be treated immediately, with good results in most cases.
3. Warning signs of breast disease are: i) PAIN ii) LUMP iii) NIPPLE DISCHARGE iv) SKIN CHANGES
4. Breast lumps are detected in 9 out of 10 cases by women themselves.
5. Don't ignore breast changes - see your doctor!
6. Screening Mammography in women over 50 years of age has decreased the mortality of Breast Cancer by 30%.
7. Breast-conserving surgery & radiotherapy for early cancer of the breast is as good as mastectomy in most patients. Early diagnosis however, is essential.
8. Good rehabilitation, both physical & psychological, is important in cancer patients and available in most big centres.
9. Follow a healthy diet of high fibre, low fat & low calories. Burn off extra calories with exercise!
10. Breast-feeding is best for mother - and baby too!
11. Hormones in the form of the pill & HRT should only be taken under doctor's instructions after a careful evaluation of the breasts.
