Breast health

Posted on 31 July 2012

Our expert, Dr Phillip Nel, is a general surgeon at Mediclinic Kloof in Pretoria.

I’ve discovered a lump in my breast and my mind automatically leaps to cancer. Should I be worried?
The good news is that not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, nine out of 10 lumps are not malignant, but all lumps are worth checking because one in 10 are malignant – and 90% of breast lumps are found by the women themselves. However, discovering breast cancer early can save your breast and stop the spread of cancer. Here are some things you might experience that could be benign or non-cancerous:
• A lump that forms during menstruation.
• A change in your breast tissue through hormonal replacement treatments such as the pill.
• Nipple discharge, which does not necessarily signal cancer although you should always see your doctor in this event.
• Painful and tender breasts.
• Breast disease during pregnancy – but in this case, too, be cautious and see a doctor.

Here are four health routines you should be adopting:
1. Monthly self-examinations are the starting blocks for picking up abnormalities such as lumps and discharge, and it’s a habit all women should get into.
2. Make sure you have an annual examination by a doctor.
3. If you’re over 40 you could also have an annual mammogram.
4. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you and your daughters should be particularly careful about regular checkups.

During a breast exam, what should I look for?
Breast cancer doesn’t always present conveniently visible symptoms – lumps can be too small to feel, and not all cancers are lumps, but the following are worth checking out:
• A lump or mass can be the first sign, typically if it is painless, hard and uneven, but it can be tender and soft too
• Swelling
• Nipple pain, discharge (other than breast milk) and a nipple that turn inwards
• The skin or nipple hardening, turning red or scaly
• The skin dimpling or being irritable
• A lump in the underarm
• Pain in the breasts
If you discover any of the above, see a doctor as soon as you can. Chances are that it is not cancer, but if it is you will be immeasurably better off for catching it early.

If you have any questions on breast health or breast cancer, click on the Facebook link to post them there, or add them as a comment on this post.

 

The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.