Important Breast Changes, Articles, divine.ca

Important Breast Changes

by Mariève Inoue
published October 08, 2008

rating: (88 Ratings)

Monthly breast self-exams play a key role in the early detection of breast cancer; they help you get familiar with your breasts and make sure you notice if any changes arise. But what kind of changes should you be looking for? Read on to find out.

Changes in or around breasts

Lumps

Each woman’s breasts are different, and certain people may have lumpier tissues than others. If both of your breasts seem to have the same density (or “lumpiness”), then chances are there isn’t anything to worry about. The more familiar you are with your breasts, the likelier you are to be able to detect any new lumps or hard knots.

Appearance

Look for changes in the texture and / or colour of the skin on your breasts. These include:

▪ redness

▪ rashes

▪ swelling

▪ darkening

▪ dimpling

▪ puckering

▪ bulging

Helpful hints:

▪ It’s a good idea to take notes when doing your BSE to be able to compare and recognize changes from one month to another.

▪ Make sure you remember to do your BSE every month by signing up to divine.ca’s BSE Email Reminder Email—click here!

Size & shape

Pay close attention to your breasts’ shape and size from one self-exam to the next, and see your doctor if there are any significant changes.

Pain

See your doctor about any type of pain that is concentrated in one spot on your breast, especially if it doesn’t go away.

Changes in nipples

Appearance

Look for variations in your nipples such as pulling, the appearance of rashes, scaling, as well as changes in shape, texture, and position.

Retraction

If one or both of your nipples seem to be turned inward or are very painful, see your doctor.

Discharge

If you notice any kind of discharge (that isn’t breast milk) that starts suddenly coming out of your nipple, see your doctor. Discharge may be clear and may or may not contain a bit of blood.

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sxelady37
October 15, 2008 at 8:34 am

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I have tried to keep up with the breast changes, lumps and etc. Any woman under the age of 50, is never given any accurate information on breast cancer. I found a lump about 2 years ago. Of course, I was concerned about it. My doctor had the nerve to tell me that most woman don't call him, until it is the size of a grapefruit. And I was taken aback by this. Why would anyone wait until it got to be that size, to contact their doctor? Especially when it could be cancerous. I have heard others, say that breast cancer doesn't cause any pain. I am very confused about this disease. There are so many questions, that I would not have to space to ask them all.

about the author

Mariève Inoue
Editor in Chief

Follow Mariève on Twitter: @glittermess