Breast Cancer Awareness month may have arrived, but women need to be checking for breast cancer regularly, especially if they are over 40 years old.
According to leading breast cancer surgeon, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, the risk of developing breast cancer increases in your 40s – but women are often deterred from visiting a breast screening clinics due to ’embarrassment’.
The risk of breast cancer increases after 40.
(Image: Getty)“As your breasts age they can change shape, get lumpier and even denser. This can lead to feeling more lumps but also more difficulty in finding the troublesome ones. That’s why getting regular check-ups and screens to make sure anything concerning is caught early is a really good idea,” Sanjay explained.
“Unfortunately, fear of embarrassment or anxiety about the screening procedure are common deterrents for women from having a breast screen. Although it may be a little uncomfortable, the few minutes of discomfort far outweigh the alternative.
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“Getting regular breast exams and noticing what changes aren’t normal are also crucial and should become a regular part of your healthful routine.”
Self-examinations should be done regularly.
(Image: Getty)However, breast shape can significantly change in a woman’s 40s due to ‘perimenopause’ which cause breast sensitivity and swollen breasts. Although these are not signs of breast cancer, Sanjay highlighted the importance of noticing such developments.
“This time of ‘perimenopause’, ie ‘the change before the change’, is a really significant time that is not often talked about, sandwiched as it is between youth and menopause,” he said.
“It’s actually a really important time to start noticing changes in your breast health and start important conversations with those around you.”
Sanjay has advised women follow a self-examination procedure regularly called Look, Lift, Feel which can be done in front of the mirror.
“It is not meant to replace regular check-ups, but rather supplement them in between check-ups and annual scans. If you find anything concerning, you can make an appointment with your GP who will then determine the next best steps.
“The two biggest factors are non-modifiable; being female and increasing age. However, there are modifiable factors. Lifestyle plays a part. Beer, wine and spirits can increase the levels of oestrogen and other hormones in the body associated with breast cancer development. Smoking can increase your risk of breast cancer.”
“If you’re a little embarrassed to talk about your breasts with your friends, now is a great time to start opening up the topic as everyone is probably feeling as anxious as you.”
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