Important Facts About Breast Lumps And Breast Cancer
Okay, so you identified a questionable bulge in your boob. Now youre probably wondering what the hell it might be.
First, some good news: At least 90% of breast lumps discovered in women ages 20 to 50 are benign, says , M.D., clinical director of breast medical oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and professor of breast oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Of course, it is possible to get breast cancer when youre young, but its not very commonin the U.S. the median age of breast cancer diagnosis is about 62.
Now the sobering news: The average-risk American woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her life. And for women 55 and older, the most common cause of a new breast lump is breast cancer, says Gralow. In other words, age really matters, she says.
Race and ethnicity also matter. Overall incidence of breast cancer is about the same in white and Black American women, and lower in American women of other races and ethnicities. But breast cancer death rates are 40% higher in Black women than white women in the United States, explains Lisa Newman, M.D., chief of breast surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. And Black women are also more likely to die from metastatic, or stage 4, breast cancer.
Can Being Punched In The Boob Cause Breast Cancer
Asked by Melynda Hassett
Can Being Punched In The Boob Cause Breast Cancer?
Is it possible to get breast cancer from being punched? I was punched in my left breast about 20-30 times within three weeks. I’m 15 years old, and some people have told me it can cause cancer, and others have said it can’t. I need a straightforward answer.
Why Get Your Nipples Pierced
Nipple piercings tend to have a bit of a stigma surrounding them. Although they are gaining mainstream popularity, many still struggle to understand why youd get that part of your body pierced.
Were here to shed some light.
While nipple piercings are sometimes chosen for sexual reasonslets face it, they can be sexy as hellfor many, their nipple piercings carry a much deeper meaning.
Piercing the nipples helps some to take control of their bodies. When they pierce such an intimate area, theyre taking an empowering stance. It goes beyond feeling sexy its an exclamation that they have the right to decide what they want to do with their bodies.
Nipple piercings also have feminist implications. Having jewelry in your nipples makes them stick out, which means that theyll often show through a tight t-shirt, especially if youre not wearing a bra. With so many conversations surrounding womens bodies and what women should or should not be wearing, nipple piercings make the statement, This is my body, and who cares if you can see my nipples? It helps us reevaluate the way we sexualize women.
Lastly some people just think that the look is cute. There are tons of jewelry styles to choose from that look amazing sticking out of your nipple. Its kind of like wearing sexy underwear you might be the only one who knows that youre wearing it, but it still makes you feel pretty and confident.
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Can You Prevent Breast Pain
Since cyclic breast pain is a regular part of your menstrual cycle, you cant exactly prevent it. But there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to ensure that your symptoms wont be as bad, and to help prevent noncyclic breast pain, which include:
- Drastically reducing your caffeine intake, or cutting it out altogether.
- Eating a very low-fat diet.
- Wearing a supportive sports bra that fits really well, especially while youre exercising.
What Should I Do If I Find A Lump
Donât panic. It could be many things other than cancer. But do check in with your doctorâs office if you notice any new breast changes, such as:
- An area that is different from any other area on either breast
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that lasts through your menstrual cycle
- A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
- A mass or lump
- A marble-like area under the skin
- A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple
- Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
- Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
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Visible Changes In The Nipple Or Skin
After puberty, your nipples remain fairly consistent in shape, size and color. Generally, there shouldnt be any sudden changes with your nipples or skin. But if there are any visible changes, such as a red, itchy or scaly rash inversion or sucking-in of the nipple dimpling, puckering or other changes in the skin on or around the nipple, you should see your doctor.
As breast cancer progresses, it grows and pushes other things out of the way, Dr. Duncan says. This can cause changes in the breast, skin and nipple as the breasts internal structure changes.
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
A rare type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer can have different symptoms to other types.
Your whole breast might look red and inflamed and feel sore. The breast might feel hard and the skin might look like orange peel.
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
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Media Flub: Squeezing Breasts Prevents Cancer
The media often takes a research studys findings completely out of context and confuses the public.
Researchers from the University of California at Berkeley found that compression of breast cancer cells grown in a laboratory made them assume a normal growth pattern.
Reports on this study may have been derailed by the universitys own press release which was entitled To revert breast cancer cells, give them the squeeze.
The study was presented at a meeting and has not been published. If you read the press release, it is very clear that the research involved only cells. The authors played down any practical use of the information, saying that even a compression bra would probably not be any value. Specifically, they said Compression, in and of itself, is not likely to be a therapy.
If you google Squeezing breasts prevents cancer, you will find over 50 hits. Most of them prominently feature photos of women in various stages of undress and articles with sophomoronic commentary.
Fox News went with Giving breasts a squeeze could hinder cancer growth. The article essentially replicated the Cal Berkeley press release.
Another Cosmo quote: Scientists didnt go into deets about how your boobs should be squeezed, but said physical pressure was key. They didnt go into deets because there was nothing about actually squeezing breasts in the paper or the press release except mentioning that direct pressure on the breasts would probably not be of value.
How Do You Get Rid Of A Hickey On Your Nipple
. Thereof, is it bad to get a hickey on your nipple?
Another great spot is on your breasts, especially close to the nipple. The skin there isn’t just sensitive, but a major erogenous zone, so the sucking will feel pretty awesome.
Also Know, does a hickey show up right away? Your hickey will start off as a reddish mark under your skin. By day four or five, you’ll likely see your hickey beginning to fade in some spots. It may appear blotchy as it heals. Within a week or two, depending on the amount damaged caused by the suction, your hickey will fade to a light yellowish color or disappear.
Keeping this in view, can a hickey go away in a day?
A hickey is a simple bruise, and like any other bruise, you have to give it some time to heal. If you don’t do anything, it will disappear on its own in between 5 and 12 days.
What does toothpaste do to a hickey?
Toothpaste Method To Remove a HickeyMake sure you use a peppermint-based toothpaste to get rid of the hickey within twenty-four hours. Apply the toothpaste liberally on the area and let it dry. The peppermint lightens and reduces the bruising on the skin.
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Inverted Or Retracted Nipples
Nipple variations, such as inverted nipples and retracted nipples are usually something you are born with.
Inverted nipples appear sunken or indented, rather than raised above the surface of the areola. Nipple inversion can occur as part of the normal aging process and is usually equal on both sides. But if you were born with nipples that stuck out and have since become flattened, you should talk to your healthcare provider, especially if the change only affects one side.
Retracted nipples, by contrast, have a slit-like area that is pulled inward. Retracted nipples may appear at birth, or develop gradually over time. A retracted nipple on one side only that develops quickly should be checked out, as in some cases, this can be a sign of breast cancer.
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What Does A Nipple Orgasm Feel Like
Many women describe a nipple orgasm as something that sneaks up on you and then explodes out of nowhere. The sensations spread throughout your whole body as the pleasure builds slowly and gradually. Then, bam! Youll feel a powerful climax thatll come in waves.
A nipple orgasm may feel even more intense during that time of the month. Hormonal changes during menstruation can increase breast sensitivity and tenderness, which may heighten arousal.
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How To Understand Your Risk Of Breast Cancer
All adult women are at risk of breast cancer, and this risk increases as we get older, says Newman. But there are other factors and conditions associated with breast cancer risk, and its important for women to be aware of them so that those at high-risk can take extra precautionslike getting a breast MRI in addition to an annual mammogram or, in some cases, taking a specific medication to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
So what factors and conditions should be on your radar?
Breast cancer is more common among women with certain family histories of cancer, such as breast cancer in a male relative or multiple relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancerespecially if they are close relatives and especially if they were diagnosed at a young age, says Newman. Women with these family patterns should consider undergoing genetic testing to determine whether they have inherited a DNA pattern associated with breast cancer risk, she suggests.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also impact your breast cancer riskgetting pregnant younger and breastfeeding longer are both associated with lower risk, says Gralow.
What Is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer arising in breast tissue. Cancers are diseases that start as abnormalities developed in cells, leading to abnormal growth patterns. Cancers can grow in place in their tissue of origin or spread to other parts of the body.
- Although breast cancer is primarily a disease of women, about 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women with the exception of nonmelanoma skin cancers. It is the second leading cause of death by cancer in women, following only lung cancer.
- In 2016, the American Cancer Society estimated that 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed among women in the United States and that a further 61,000 new cases of in-situ breast cancer would be diagnosed.
- A woman has a lifetime risk of developing invasive breast cancer of about one in eight, or about 12% over the course of their entire lifetime. That risk is lower when they are younger and increases with age.
- Death rates from breast cancer have been gradually declining and continue to decline. These decreases are likely due both to increased breast cancer awareness and screening and improved treatment methods.
- There are currently about 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
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Why Do Men Have Nipples
During early development, just after fertilization, male and female embryos start out alike, with the same genetic material. In the first four to five weeks, nipples start to develop, but it isn’t until after six or seven weeks that the sex chromosomes assert any differences. So most humans have nipples in common.
But why would a body go through the effort of growing nipples if they have no use? Actually, male nipples do serve a purpose, although it’s one people don’t often discuss. According to one study, for almost 52% of men, nipple stimulation enhances sexual arousal. So a majority of men report erogenous uses for their nipples.
Still, male nipples are relatively mysterious. Here are # things you might not know about them.
When To See Your Gp
See your GP if you have:
- a lump in your breast
- any other worrying symptoms, such as nipple discharge
- a history of breast cancer in members of your family and youre worried about your chances of getting it
Its very unlikely you have cancer, but its best to get your symptoms checked. Your GP will examine your breast and can refer you for tests and scans for breast cancer if needed.
If you do not have symptoms but have a clear family history of breast cancer, your GP may refer you to a genetic specialist to discuss your risk of getting it.
There are some inherited genes that increase your risk of cancer and a blood test can be done to check for these. Read about testing for cancer risk genes.
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Are There Different Types Of Breast Pain
There are two distinct types of breast pain, which are:
- Cyclic breast pain. This type of breast pain lines up with your menstrual cycle. Because of that, its more common in 20-to-50-year-old women and its particularly common in women who are on the younger end of that range. You may have breast pain in one breast or both, and it typically occurs due to natural hormonal shifts. Roughly a week before your period, you may start to feel a little pain in the upper, outer parts of your breasts. Cyclic breast pain goes away naturally once you get your period, but returns during your next menstrual cycle. Most women dont experience this type of breast pain after menopause.
- Noncyclic breast pain. This type of breast pain has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle, and is more common in 40-to-50-year-old women.
Can Wearing An Underwire Bra Cause Breast Cancer
The claim that bra-wearing can put women at serious risk for breast cancer has been around for almost 20 years. Does this idea hold any truth? Dr. Laura Hutchins, a UAMS medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer, says that there is not enough evidence to support this idea.
According to a Scientific American article this myth began with the publication of a book in the mid-90s, that claimed that women who wear tight-fitting bras with underwire have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who do not. The authors suggest that bras can compress the lymphatic system of the breast, causing toxins to become trapped in the breast tissue to cause cancer.
The overall consensus among doctors is that neither the type of bra worn nor the tightness of undergarments has any connection to the risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Hutchins also commented that the belief that physical trauma to the breast, such as being hit or kicked, can also cause cancer.
Patients sometimes report previous trauma in the area of the breast where cancer develops at a later date, she says. So far, as can be determined, these occurrences are coincidental.
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Breast Injury Side Effects
Trauma to the breast has the potential to cause severe side effects due to surrounding structures within the breast that can be injured.
Examples include injuries of the blood supply to the breast, such as the branches of the internal mammary artery and of the axillary artery that provides blood flow to the breast tissue.
Injury to the major blood supply to the breast can result in swelling and significant blood loss until treatment is received. More commonly, smaller superficial arteries along with veins become injured, leading to more localized injury and less serious bleeding and bruising.
Some people can experience tearing or direct injury to the mammary ducts, which could affect the future or current flow of breast milk. These are rare, but potential, complications associated with breast trauma.
Most traumatic breast injuries will not result in severe side effects. But it is possible that some people could experience severe complications, such as excessive bleeding due to major blood vessel damage.
Symptoms of severe bleeding can include:
- feeling faint
- rapid heart rate
- shock due to blood loss
These symptoms require emergency treatment and surgery to ensure blood loss due to the injury is stopped.
Symptoms Of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Because IBC is an aggressive form of cancer, the disease can progress rapidly within days, weeks, or months. Because of this, receiving an early diagnosis is extremely important.
While you usually dont develop a lump thats characteristic of other breast cancers, you may have several of the following symptoms.
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Breast Cancer Signs And Symptoms
Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is an important part of breast health. Although having regular screening tests for breast cancer is important, mammograms do not find every breast cancer. This means it’s also important for you to be aware of changes in your breasts and to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or round. They can even be painful. For this reason, it’s important to have any new breast mass, lump, or breast change checked by an experienced health care professional.
Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened
- Nipple discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes
Although any of these symptoms can be caused by things other than breast cancer, if you have them, they should be reported to a health care professional so the cause can be found.
Remember that knowing what to look for does not take the place of having regular mammograms and other screening tests. Screening tests can help find breast cancer early, before any symptoms appear. Finding breast cancer early gives you a better chance of successful treatment.