Breasts naturally change throughout life due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and ageing. Understanding what to expect at different stages can help you become more familiar with your breast health and recognise when you may need to seek medical attention.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we explore how breasts change over time and why breast awareness matters at every age.
Puberty: The beginning of breast development
Breast development typically begins during puberty, when hormonal changes stimulate breast tissue growth. One breast may develop earlier or grow larger than the other, and mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur.
These differences are common, as breast development varies from person to person.
The menstrual cycle: Monthly hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can cause the breasts to feel fuller, heavier or more tender, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation. Some women may also experience temporary swelling, nipple discomfort or general breast lumpiness.
While these changes are often benign, it is helpful to recognise your usual pattern. If a change persists beyond your menstrual cycle or feels unusual, consult a doctor rather than assume and dismiss it as something hormone related.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Preparing to nourish a baby
During pregnancy, hormonal changes prepare the breasts for milk production. Women may notice increased breast size, fullness, sensitivity, and changes in the nipples and areolae. These changes may continue during breastfeeding as milk production adjusts to your baby’s needs.
Therefore, it is encouraged for women to breastfeed frequently and ensure that your baby latches on properly during feeding and they are fed to completion. It is also important to avoid applying excessive pressure on the breasts (e.g. wearing tight bras/clothing) and to often adjust your breastfeeding techniques and not be restricted to staying in one position to feed to prevent breast engorgement.
Perimenopause and menopause: Understanding changes and breast cancer
As women approach menopause, your breast tissue may become less dense, and you may notice changes in breast size, shape and firmness. These changes vary from person to person and are a normal part of ageing.
This stage of life is also an important time to pay attention to breast cancer risk. The risk increases with age, especially if you are 40 years or older, and if a family member has had breast cancer. However, breast cancer can also occur in younger women too.
Women should also discuss appropriate breast cancer screening with their doctor. In Singapore, women aged 40 to 49 can discuss the benefits and limitations of mammograms with their doctor; if they choose to undergo screening, annual mammograms are generally recommended. Women aged 50 to 74 years old are generally advised to have a mammogram every 2 years. Screening recommendations may differ depending on individual risk factors.
Looking after your breast health at every age
Being familiar with the usual appearance and feel of your breasts can help you recognise changes that are new or unusual for you. These may include a new lump, changes to the skin or nipple, any nipple discharge, or persistent pain.
Not every change indicates breast cancer, but unusual changes should be assessed by a doctor rather than left until your next screening appointment. Routine mammograms can also help detect breast cancer before symptoms develop.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn about your breast health, follow recommended screening guidance and seek medical advice if you notice new, persistent or unusual changes. Knowing your breasts is a simple but important step towards taking care of your health.
Article contributed by Dr Yong Chee Kong from C K Yong Surgery & Breast Clinic located at Mount Alvernia Hospital.
