What can I expect as I age?
In your 20s and 30s, your breasts have good elasticity and tone and are mostly made up of breast tissue. Your breasts will get bigger during pregnancy, but typically will go back down to their original size or maybe even go down a half-cup in size after you have given birth or breast-fed. In your 40s, fat begins to replace breast tissue. This is when we start to notice them drooping. When women hit 50, they may notice their breasts are getting smaller. This is due to hormonal changes that cause fat to replace almost all the breast tissue. Women will also notice more sagging because skin begins to lose elasticity.
The most common problem in women between 30 and 50 is a condition called fibrocystic breasts or "lumpy" breasts. Although fibrocystic breasts can be uncomfortable, the condition is benign and doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer. Cutting back on caffeine may help alleviate some of the pain, or taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, along with wearing a good support bra. For severe cases, you may need to talk to your health care provider about other medications that may help.
Breast cysts are another common problem for women. This is caused by fluid being trapped in the ducts of breast tissue. Cysts are harmless, but they can be painful. Cysts can be evaluated by ultrasound and then aspirated if they are large or painful. Like fibrocystic breasts, cysts won't increase your future risk of cancer.
When should I get a mammogram?
Women should have a baseline mammogram at age 40, along with a yearly breast exam from your health care provider, and all women should do monthly breast self-exams. If a woman is at higher risk (one who has a family history with one or more first-degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer), she should begin having annual mammograms at least 10 years earlier than the age at which her relative received her cancer diagnosis. For example, if your mom found out she had breast cancer at age 43, you should start having mammograms done at age 33.
What are my risks?
Your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Studies have shown a link between breast cancer and postmenopausal weight gain (especially around the waist). Recommendations are to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise. Studies have shown that taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D daily can reduce your risk of breast cancer by about 40 percent.
Exercise can also lower your risk of getting breast cancer, along with a host of other diseases. When exercising, women should wear a good sports bra. This will help decrease the chance of breasts losing their firmness, along with a decrease in a chance of pain when walking or running.
Please take the time to get yourself checked out during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Char Houska is a registered nurse and breast care coordinator at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center.
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