Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Breast health is more than just an annual mammogram; it’s about understanding your body, recognizing subtle changes, and taking timely action, as early detection truly saves lives. For many women, breast health takes a backseat until something feels wrong. However, subtle changes in the breasts can make all the difference between early, treatable conditions and late-stage cancer diagnoses. Yet, many women overlook warning signs, delay screenings, or assume that only a lump is cause for concern.


How Breasts Change Over Time
Breasts are made up of glandular tissue, ducts, fat, and connective tissue, which naturally develop over time. Hormones during puberty promote development, whereas pregnancy can result in rapid growth, darker nipples, and stretch marks. Breastfeeding also modifies shape and fullness.

After menopause, decreased estrogen causes less dense, more fatty tissue. Breasts may shrink, sag, or feel softer, while the areola may fade or the nipples appear smaller. The majority of these adjustments are totally predictable. However, any new lump, swelling, or skin alteration, especially one-sided or persistent, should be investigated.


What should be on your breast health checklist
Here’s a checklist of what to notice and how to act before it’s too late:

1. Know your normal: The first step is to know what is typical for your breasts. Each woman has a somewhat distinct breast, and changes may occur during pregnancy, menopause, or the menstrual cycle. Note the texture, size, form, and any slight tenderness.

2. Check for Lumps and Thickening: Often, the first indications of a possible breast cancer are lumps. Even though most lumps are benign, any new lump or enlarged tissue area must be evaluated immediately. Watch out for lumps that last longer than a few weeks, stiffness, or painless thickening in the breast or underarm area.

3. Skin Changes: Red flags include dimpling, puckering, redness, or an orange-peel texture on the skin. These changes in the breast can indicate inflammatory breast cancer, which spreads very fast.

4. Monitor nipple changes: Changes in the nipple are often neglected but can be significant. Watch for inversion, unusual discharge, especially blood-stained or pain in the breast. Continuous itching or irritation around the nipple may also signal a problem.

5. Watch out for swelling in the armpit area: The lymph nodes under your arms are an important part of your breast health. Tenderness, lumps, or swelling in this area may be signs of inflammation, infections, or occasionally both. During the self-examinations, it is important to make a brief check.

6. Regular screening and checks: Monthly self-examinations along with periodic clinical exams are recommended for early detection. Women over 40 years or with a family history must undergo regular mammograms.


What are the treatment options

Healthy habits play a key role in maintaining breast health. Maintaining an ideal body weight, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of breast cancer. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants supports hormonal balance and overall well-being. Regular screening and watching out for signs help in early detection and action. In cases where cancer is detected, treatment options such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radio radiotherapy can be used to help patients return to their normal lives.
Breast health is not just a checklist but should be a habit. Being vigilant, performing self-checks, and attending regular screenings can make all the difference. Remember, noticing changes early can transform outcomes. When it comes to your breasts, proactive awareness is the best defence. If anything feels unusual, don’t wait and consult the doctor immediately.


Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas, Chairman, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Onco Robotic Surgeries, North west Cluster, Manipal Hospitals