Breast changes are normal as you go through life, so it’s important to look at and feel your breasts regularly.
Every woman’s breasts are different -- the size, shape and consistency of your breasts are unique to you. One breast may also be larger than the other.
Many changes that occur to your breasts are changes in how your breast or nipple looks and feels. By keeping aware of your own breasts and how they vary over time, you will:
- know what's normal for you
- know what changes to look for
- let a doctor know of any changes straight away
Try to get used to checking your breasts regularly, maybe in the bath or shower |or when you use body lotion. You should check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.
If you are an older woman of 50 or over you should go regularly to breast screening check-ups.
What breast changes are normal?
It’s natural for your breasts to change throughout your lifetime -- they will change during puberty, adolescence, your childbearing years and the menopause.
Your breasts may also feel different at different times of the month -- during your menstrual cycle.
Most of these changes are caused by varying levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate your menstrual cycle.
Natural changes to your breasts include them feeling:
- heavier or fuller -- this can occur just before your period
- tender -- this can occur just before your period or during and after menopause, though some women have tender breasts all the time
- lumpy -- this can occur just before your period, during pregnancy or during and after menopause. Some women have lumpy breasts all the time
- painful -- this can be linked to your period and menopause
- tingly and sore -- this is common during pregnancy
- softer -- this is common after menopause
During the menopause you may experience sore breast and nipples due to the hormonal changes that happen at this time.
After menopause, it’s also common for your breasts to feel softer, to change shape, and become smaller.
But if you notice any changes in your breasts, or see changes that are new for you, it’s important to see a doctor.
Most changes are harmless but you should always get them checked.
What breast changes are more of a concern?
While you should get any new changes to your breast checked by a healthcare professional as a precaution, some changes may require more urgent attention.
Breast changes that require medical attention include:
- a lump or firm feeling -- most lumps are not cancer, but it’s important to get them looked at early as a precaution
- nipple changes -- such as an inverted nipple
- itching
- swelling
- redness or a rash
- scaling
- dimples, wrinkles or folds
- pain that doesn’t go away
If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor as soon as possible.
What will the doctor check for?
A doctor will examine your breasts and ask questions about your symptoms and family history. They may suggest you go for further tests in hospital or at a breast care clinic.
Depending on your age and symptoms, you may have the following tests:
- a mammogram -- this is an X-ray of the breast
- an ultrasound -- this gives an image of the inside of the breast
- a biopsy -- when a sample of cells is taken from your breast lump and sent to a laboratory for testing
These tests should confirm what type of breast lump you have.
If the doctor doesn’t refer you for tests, ask them to explain why. They may ask you to return in a week or 2 if things don’t improve, but go back sooner if your symptoms get worse.
