A woman notices something while showering. A lump, a patch that feels different, a change in the skin. Then comes the hard part, the waiting and the wondering, often for weeks, because getting it checked feels frightening.
The message of this article is simple. Most breast changes turn out to be harmless, and the ones that are not are far more treatable when they are found early. Getting seen is the brave and sensible thing to do, not the frightening one.
Getting to know your normal
Breasts change naturally through the month and through life. Many women find their breasts feel lumpier or more tender in the days before a period, and softer afterwards. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change and the years around menopause all change how they feel too.
Because normal covers such a wide range, there is no single correct texture. What matters is knowing your own, so a new or one sided change stands out. Looking and feeling in the shower, while dressing, or lying down are all fine. There is no wrong way to be familiar with your own body.
The changes worth reporting
See a doctor if you notice any of the following. Reporting a change does not mean something is wrong, it means you are giving yourself the reassurance of an answer.
A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit that is different from the rest of the breast tissue.
A change in size or shape of one breast.
Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or skin that looks like orange peel.
Nipple changes, such as a nipple that has newly turned inward, a rash or crusting on the nipple, or discharge that comes without squeezing, especially if it is bloodstained or from one side.
Ongoing pain in one spot that does not come and go with your cycle.
Breast pain on its own, especially pain in both breasts that follows your monthly cycle, is very common and is rarely a sign of anything serious. It is still worth mentioning if it worries you.
What happens at a breast check
The first step is a clinical breast examination, which simply means a doctor examines your breasts and armpits by hand, gently feeling the tissue and checking the lymph nodes. It is quick and it is done with your comfort and privacy in mind.
If a closer look is needed, the next test is often an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to build a picture of the breast tissue with no radiation involved. Ultrasound is particularly useful for looking at a specific lump and for younger women, whose breast tissue is denser. Ultrasound is available here.
If a lump needs a definite answer, a small sample of tissue or fluid can be taken and sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope. Our laboratory and pathology testing are on site.
Where mammography fits
A mammogram is a low dose breast X-ray used both for screening women who have no symptoms and for investigating certain changes. It is a valuable test and it is recommended as part of screening as women get older.
We do not perform mammography or breast MRI here. When a mammogram is the right next step for you, our doctors will arrange it by referral to a centre that provides it, and continue your care with the results. The point is not to skip mammography, it is to make sure you have the correct test in the correct place, guided by a doctor who knows your history.
Lowering your risk day to day
Some things that raise breast cancer risk cannot be changed, such as age and family history. Others are within reach. Keeping to a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and breastfeeding when you can all modestly reduce risk. Knowing your family history matters too, so if close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, tell your doctor, as it may change what is recommended for you.
What to do next
If you have noticed a change, do not sit with the worry. Book a consultation and let a doctor examine you. Most women leave reassured, and the few who need more are far better served by acting early. Knowing your normal, and acting when something is different, is the most powerful thing you can do for your breast health.
Noticed a change in your breast? Get it checked at Newtown.
Consultation, clinical breast examination, ultrasound, laboratory testing and surgery are all available under one roof at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain. If a mammogram is the right next test, our doctors will arrange it for you by referral. Book a consultation to have any change assessed, and remember our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours for a breast that is suddenly red, hot and painful with fever.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.