Take Control of Your Breast Health

You are the one person most intimately aware of your own body.  You know what your cycles are and what your breasts look and feel like.  You know when you normally have pain, are aware of the color of your nipples, and you may be the only one to know if you have fluid leaking from your nipple.  Being aware of your body and listening to the warning signs will help you be in control of your breast health. 

If you experience any changes that are not a result of monthly hormonal changes in your body, you need to contact your doctor.  Changes occur naturally when our bodies’ age, but some changes are not normal and should be investigated.  If you have a change in the size or shape of the breast, you need to have an exam.  If changes can’t be tracked as part of your cycle, you are at risk of developing breast cancer. 

Notice any abnormal swelling or pain under the armpit or surrounding lymph nodes.  If the pain is new, or occurring at a time when you normally don’t have pain, you should see your doctor.  If the pain happens monthly and in both breasts, it’s probably due to hormonal changes and nothing to worry about.  Keep track of your body cycles and note how you feel.  If you have an accurate record you will know at once if something unusual is occurring.  Some changes are natural and appear as we age, gain weight, lose weight, and hormones change in our body.  Medications, pregnancy, changes in our normal diet, and stress may all cause changes in our breasts.  It’s important to know the rhythms of your body and the aches and pains associated with our monthly cycle. 

If we have a toothache, your whole head may hurt.  If you pull a muscle, it may cause you to limp and your body to be off balance.  Everything is connected within your body.  If you have a problem in your breast, it may cause additional problems in other parts of your body.  You may have that feeling of “something isn’t right.”  Listen to your body to keep it healthy. 

Knowing what changes your body will experience is important in picking up signs and symptoms of breast cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  Any change in nipple size, shape, or color may indicate a breast problem.  Leakage of fluid from the nipple should be taken seriously especially if the fluid has blood in it.  Milk ducts that are located just below the surface may start causing problems.  If you feel a lump or thickening in that area, you should contact your doctor.  If your nipple inverts and doesn’t return to its natural shape, that is an indication you should see a health care professional.

Taking care of your breast health is the single most important thing you can do to keep you healthy.  It is an intimate part of your body, and you will notice any problems before anyone else will.  Be especially aware if changes are occurring in only one breast.