| Breast Awareness Despite media stereotypes, there is no standard breast size or shape. Throughout a woman's life her breasts will go through many changes, most quite normal. Usually these breast changes are due to changes in hormone levels and can include:
Other changes may include:
The National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) has produced a "Breast Changes" information booklet which provides up to date information including:
What
is the breast made up of?
What is a breast change? Firstly, a woman needs to be aware of the look, shape and feel of her breasts and what is normal for her particular age. By looking at your breasts and becoming familiar with them, you are more likely to notice any abnormal changes. Regularly check your breasts, perhaps while having your shower, lying in bed, or in the mirror when dressing. Be on the lookout for any changes, such as:
For further information refer to Better
Health Channel's "Breast Self Examination".
Does a breast change always mean that I have breast cancer? NO! It is worth remembering that it is quite common for women to experience breast changes. Of the women who do visit their doctor to discuss breast changes, very few go on to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The majority receive the all clear, or the results indicate a non-cancerous (benign) condition.
What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of your breasts which detects breast abnormalities. It is used for the screening or diagnosis of conditions affecting breast tissue. The mammogram is taken by a Radiographer, and read by a Radiologist. A diagnostic mammogram is used to further examine a breast symptom that you or your doctor may be concerned about. A screening mammogram is used to look for possible breast cancer when you are well and have no obvious breast symptoms. A mammogram can detect breast abnormalities that you or your doctor may not be able to feel by hand. For women who are 50 years or older, a mammogram is currently the most effective means of early detection of breast cancer. For younger women a mammogram is much less effective. This is because of the different nature of breast tissue in young women, making it more difficult to read the mammogram. The compression of the breast during a mammogram may result in some discomfort. Discuss this with the Radiographer at the time. BreastScreen offers a free screening mammogram service for detecting early breast cancer in women aged 50 years and over who are symptom free. Women aged between 40 and 49 years are also able to attend BreastScreen if they wish. For further information refer to Better Health Channel's "Mammography". .
Does a breast implant interfere with a mammogram? For further information refer to Better Health Channel's "Breast Implants and Mammograms".
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