Younger women, such as those in their 20s, are usually less concerned about getting breast cancer, and doctors agree that there is little to be alarmed about. Only 10 per cent of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are below the age of 40, even though the disease is the most common form of cancer among Singapore women.Start by doing regular breast self-examination , which helps you understand your breasts better and figure out when to worry if you observe something new or different.
But what if your breasts hurt outside of your period? Try fixing your posture, said Dr Lim, adding that among her patients, the most common cause of non-cyclical breast pain is musculoskeletal pain, which may be caused by slouching over one’s devices. However, she added that if the pain persists past menstruation or continues even after you’ve made a shift to a less stressful lifestyle, its likely cause could be a lump – breast lumps that are bigger in size may cause tenderness in the area.
“Hormonal levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, and this is the reason why women feel different degrees of lumpiness throughout the month”, said Dr Lim, who recommended that the best time to do breast self-checks is seven to 10 days after your menstruation, as any hormonal-related lumpiness would have subsided by then.
When should you worry about uneven breast size? Dr Lee suggested that if you’re past puberty and observe a sudden asymmetry in your breast, you may have a breast lump; in some cases, breast cancer can also cause the breasts to be asymmetrical. “All bras out there are to provide comfort. It doesn’t actually prevent sagging because it's a natural progression,” Dr Lee said.
Spotted little skin-coloured bumps around the areola? These are natural oil glands known as Montgomery glands and everyone has them, although they may be more prominent in some women than others, said Dr Lim.