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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breast Check
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Breast Check
by Wan, Jun 09, 2001 12:00AM
Hi, I am only 19 years ago, is it possible that I can get breast cancer? Also, how do you check the breat for cancer? I have read it somewhere that you gotta touch the breast and feel if there's any hard piece thingy in it, and if it does then it's most likey you got cancer, is it true? Also, how does the "hard pieces" actually feels? I have been checking my breast when I was very young (maybe 10 years old) and there's always something kinda hard in both of my breast. sometimes it seems it gets bigger and sometimes I would feel it's smaller or sometimes it may even disappeared. I am so confused, and today when I check it it seems that the piece on my right is bigger the one on left. But the poisition of them are kinda different. Do you think you can give me any idea what those "pieces" are?
thanks!
thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jun 11, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Wan, Our breasts are made up of ducts, lobes and fat. Under the breasts are muscles and ribs. These normal features may make the breasts feel “lumpy” or uneven. In addition, many women have changes in their breasts that are related to their monthly menstrual cycle.
When doing a breast self-exam (BSE) what you are looking for is a lump that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. Becoming more familiar with your breasts by doing BSE each month will help you tell the difference between your normal “lumpiness” and what may be a change. The best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts, the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
It is unusual for a person 19 years old to get breast cancer. Risk for developing breast cancer increases as we grow older, there is also an increased risk for women who have a mother or sister with breast cancer.
When doing a breast self-exam (BSE) what you are looking for is a lump that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. Becoming more familiar with your breasts by doing BSE each month will help you tell the difference between your normal “lumpiness” and what may be a change. The best time to do BSE is 2 or 3 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you feel something in one breast that appears unusual or different from before, check to see if it is present in your other breast. If the same structure is in the same place in both breasts, the chances are good that your breasts are normal. If you find a lump a few days before or during your menstrual period, reexamine your breasts when your period ends.
For more information on how to perform self breast exam there are many resources available that describe the procedure, along with pictures and diagrams that are helpful. One such resource is the National Cancer Institute. If you call 1-800-4-CANCER, you can order publications that will tell you all about self-breast exam. Also ask your health care professional at your next physical exam if they would walk you through the breast exam and explain what you are feeling in your breasts. This may give you more confidence when you are doing the exam on your own.
It is unusual for a person 19 years old to get breast cancer. Risk for developing breast cancer increases as we grow older, there is also an increased risk for women who have a mother or sister with breast cancer.
-Cannicristy
Your question is a good one but you need to post as a new question not as a comment to someone else's question. Go back into the main forum page and click on the Post a Question button.
Regards,
Phil
Med Help Intl.