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No matter your age, to keep your breasts healthy it helps to learn what’s normal and what’s not. It will put you on the lookout for changes that could be signs of trouble.
Just like any part of your body, find out what to expect at different stages of life.
Did You Know?
Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans will provide free women’s preventive services, including mammograms, birth control and well-woman visits. Learn more.
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“Knowing what your breasts look and feel like can help you recognize when something is suddenly different,” says Pamela Peeke, MD, author of Body for Life for Women. “The same way you pay attention to your skin and watch for new moles, you should pay attention to your breasts.”
Your doctor may give you a breast exam at your annual visit, and may teach you how to do a self-exam at home. Research doesn’t show that breast exams save lives or detect cancers earlier, but many doctors still recommend them. And it’s always a good idea to be aware of your body and let your doctor know if you notice any changes.
What’s Normal, What’s Not
You may sometimes worry that your breasts don’t look “right.” But most of the things women are concerned about are not actually that unusual, Peeke says. For example, it’s completely normal if:
Your breasts are slightly different sizes. One breast hangs slightly lower than the other. You have hair around your nipples. Your breasts hurt or feel tender before and during your period.Tell your doctor if you see any unusual changes, though. For example, make an appointment if you notice:
A firm lump you’ve never felt before Swelling around your breast, collarbone, or armpit Dry, cracked, red, or thickened skin (like an orange peel) around your nipple Blood or fluid (besides milk) leaking from your nipples Warmth or itching in your breastsThese symptoms don’t always mean something’s wrong, but it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. They may be harmless changes, or they may be caused by an irritation or infection that can be easily treated. Rarely, they can be signs of cancer.
You may need to see a doctor if your nipple looks like it’s pulling back into the breast. But only if it’s a change in your appearance, says Erin Hofstatter, MD, assistant professor of medical oncology at Yale School of Medicine. “Roughly 10% of women have naturally inverted nipples,” she says. It’s not a problem if it’s something you’ve had all along.
