Like it or not, breasts play important roles in women’s lives. The primary, biological function of which is to provide a vital source of food for newborn babies. Also in daily life, many women pay special attention to their breast appearances in search of a more feminine figure, and may worry that they are too large or small, are lopsided or aren’t as firm as when they were younger.
Regardless of size or shape, though, breast health is important for all women. Breasts change over the course of age; some changes are normal, while others may indicate serious, underlying health issues like breast cancer. In some cases, women may detect the changes on their own, while other times, imaging procedures such as mammograms, MRIs, or ultrasounds are needed.
So, if you’re a woman, it’s important to watch for changes in your breasts and follow up with your doctor to have such changes thoroughly checked. According to a recent survey, just 42% of women are confident that they know what signs might indicate cancer. It just goes to show that this is an area deserving of more attention.
Which is why we have compiled these 9 breast symptoms that you should watch out for, some of which are a normal part of development, while others are cause for more concern:
1. Breasts increasing in size
Breasts grow during different stages of life, such as during puberty or pregnancies, or when hormonal changes occur, such as during premenstrual swelling or when taking contraceptives. Breast size increase could also result from something as simple as weight gain, since they are mainly made up of fat cells and glandular tissue and the body tends to store more fat there.2. Breasts shrinking in size
Hormonal changes may also cause breasts to decrease in size, which may occur at certain stages, such as during menopause or the latter stages of menstruation, or it could also be a result of weight loss. However, if one breast is shrinking while the other remains the same size, it may be a sign of a tumor developing around the chest wall, pulling in the breast tissue and making the breast appear smaller. If you feel that this is happening, you should check with a doctor for medical advice.3. Itch or irritation under the breasts
4. Bumps on the areola
The areola, or the circular region surrounding the nipples of the breast, can become bumpy for a variety of reasons; most of the time it occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, if pregnancy is not the cause, these bumps can be a sign of a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a highly treatable form of early-stage breast cancer.5. Dark or discolored nipples
More often than not, changes in the color of the nipples are a result of puberty-related hormonal changes, premenstrual symptoms, or pregnancy. However, darkening and discoloration can also be caused by Paget’s disease, a rare type of breast cancer.6. Persistent nipple pain and itchiness
7. Stretch marks
Stretch marks on the breasts can be simply the result of puberty, pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal changes. However, stretch marks should not be ignored in certain cases where it may be an indication of diabetes or even adrenal conditions.8. Breast hairs
Hairy nipples are not unheard of, and there are multiple causes for this. According to Healthline, other conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a result of reproductive hormonal imbalance or adrenal disorders like Cushing’s syndrome as previously described, can lead to abnormal hair growth on the breasts.9. Visible veins on breasts
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.