By Iris Farrou
07 Sep, 2022
Breast health, Breastfeeding support, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
BRCA Gene, Breast cancer prevention, Breast cancer screening, Breast Exam, Breast Exam Buffalo NY, Breast Exams at Home, Buffalo NY, Buffalo OB-GYN, Cancer in women, Healthy Lifestyle, Self-Exam, Self-Examination, women's health tips
It is common practice at your regular OBGYN appointment for your doctor to perform a breast
exam, by using their hands and examining the overall the look of your breasts. Though this is no
substitute for a mammogram, which adult women are advised to have done yearly, it is a useful
method to see whether there are any visible or tactile abnormalities on your breasts. In fact, 40%
of breast cancers were diagnosed because women noticed something unusual about their breasts.
Is this something I can do at home?
Absolutely—and it is a good idea to perform a self-breast examination once every month. Consider it a monthly inspection you deserve, and one that at the very least helps you learn your body better. Using your eyes and hands for this examination, you can develop your own breast awareness and be able to immediately identify changes—should there be any, fingers crossed not!
What do I do?
First and foremost, it is important to choose a time of the month when your breast will not be as tender since this can cloud the results of the inspection. Ideally, during a time when you are not menstruating or ovulating. Secondly, remember you can (and probably should) ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a demonstration on how to do this at home.
The most effective technique is to start with a visual examination of your breasts. Stand shirtless and braless in front of the mirror, with no-shadow casting light if possible, and place your hands at your sides. Look for any changes in size, shape, possible asymmetry, dimpling, or puckering. Check to see if your nipples are inverted. Then, inspect your breasts in a similar manner but after raising your hands above your head, palms pressed together forming an A shape. You can also lift your breasts and inspect whether the ridges on the bottom are symmetrical. Should you not trust your own vision, or if you have a visual impairment, it’s a good idea to ask a partner, trusted family member or friend, to help you with this.
Is this all?
The visual inspection is the first step. Next, you want to use the pads of your three middle
fingers. If you can’t sense very well with the pads of your fingers you can use your palm or the
backs of your fingers. You can do the tactile inspection in the shower or lying down (that way,
the breast tissue spreads and it’s easier to feel).
Now, take your time, don’t rush, and establish a routine for this part. If you do it clockwise every
time, for example, and in the same order, then after a few times you will be better able to judge
any changes in the pattern of your breasts. The goal here is to feel the depths of the breast using
different levels of pressure—so you can go over the whole tissue. Closest to the skin, use light
pressure. As you go try to feel a little deeper, use medium pressure. Closest to the chest and ribs,
use firmer pressure.
Remember that you are not looking for anything in particular, you are just learning the patterns
of your breasts. So, take deep breaths, take your time, remind yourself this is being done
absolutely for preventative reasons—just like flossing!
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Cancer is a terrifying word. It seems beyond our control, but the truth is that there are ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease. This October, as we reflect on breast cancer awareness, prevention, and research, familiarize yourself with those factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer, and those that, for now, are simply myths.
Fact: Exercise can reduce your breast cancer risk, as well as improve your overall health and wellness.
Myth: Though there have been concerns that parabens found in some body care products and cosmetics may increase the likelihood of cancer, research conducted to date has not concluded that exposure to parabens is a breast cancer risk factor. More research needs to be done on this topic, but for now, science has not been able to prove that parabens increase cancer risk.
Fact: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your breast cancer risk. It is especially important for breast cancer survivors to maintain a healthy weight as part of their continual recovery and prevention plan.
Myth: Though media reports have tried to link plastics to cancer over the past several years, there has been no scientific proof that exposure to plastics and Bisphenol A (BPA) can increase cancer risk. Despite reports that drinking water from a plastic bottle can increase the likelihood of breast cancer, it has not yet been scientifically proven.
Fact: In some studies, long-term or high levels of exposure to tobacco smoke have indicated increased risks of breast cancer, among other risk factors.
Myth: Secondhand smoke on the other hand, has not been definitively proven to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: Limiting your consumption of alcohol can reduce your breast cancer risk.
Myth: There is also currently no data to support the theory that organic foods lower the risk of breast cancer.
Fact: Eating a healthy diet full of natural fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, good fats such as olive oil, chicken, fish, beans, and only limited amounts of red meat, can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Other factors that are not known to increase the risk of breast cancer include:
- Abortion and miscarriage
- Exposure to certain types of pesticides and industrial chemicals
- Frequent use of bras with underwire
- Breast implants
- High consumption levels of caffeine
- Frequent use of cell phones
- Hair dyes and relaxers
- Frequent migraine headaches
- Breast trauma
Other factors under study that have not yet been intrinsically linked to increased breast cancer risk, but have also not been cleared from suspicion, include:
- Use of antibiotics
- Use of aspirin
- Birthweight
- Breast size
- Whether or not a woman was breastfed as an infant
- Use of fertility drugs
- Dairy products
- Dietary fat
- Soy
- Folic acid
- Multivitamins
- Levels of Vitamin D
- Meat consumption
- Frequency of skin moles
- High stress levels
With awareness of known risk factors and a commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle, you can put yourself in the best position to remain cancer free. Understand, however, that while these factors can increase or reduce your risk of cancer, there is no complete prevention strategy yet known. As women age, their risk of cancer inherently increases, but by living a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your chances of remaining cancer free as long as possible.
At Western New York OB-Gyn we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal health and helping them discern between myths and facts. If you haven’t seen your doctor in more than a year, call today. We are currently accepting new patients at all of our locations.
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