Why Is Breast Health Important?

The primary biological function of breasts is to produce milk for infants. However, not every woman will have children or breastfeed. Some view breasts as a symbol of femininity, beauty or gender identity.

What are breasts?

Many different structures make up the anatomy of breasts. These structures include:

• Glandular tissue
• Milk ducts (mammary ducts)
• Connective tissue
• Nipples
• Areola
• Fatty tissue
• Blood vessels
• Lymph nodes
• Nerves

Female hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, are key players in the development and functioning of breasts. However, every person's breasts are different in size and shape.

Breasts are part of the male and female anatomies—so men and women can develop breast cancer. However, the structure and function of breast anatomy differ between men and women. Here, we will focus on female breast health.

Why is breast health important?

Get to know what your breasts are like normally. What do they look and feel like? What regular changes happen for you throughout your menstrual cycle?

It's common to experience breast swelling and pain before you start your period, so if you know that typically happens for you, it's nothing to worry about in the days before you start your cycle.

The better you know your breasts, the quicker you can recognize any changes or abnormalities. A breast self exam may not be effective at detecting cancer or improving survival rates, according to the Mayo Clinic, but it could help you get to know your own body.

Speak to your doctor to discuss if a self exam should be a part of your monthly care routine.

"Breast health is important to stay healthy [overall]," said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York.

"Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States, making it the second most common cancer after lung cancer," Chen said.

Knowing the signs of breast problems, including cancer, means you have a greater chance of discovering potential issues before they become worse. Diagnosing breast cancer early can lead to better outcomes.

Who is at risk of complications with breast health?

"Anyone with breasts is at risk for breast complications—which includes both females and males of all ages," Chen said.

Some factors that put you more at risk of breast cancer include the following factors:

• Age. Breast cancer risk increases with age, and most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
• Sex. Women are more susceptible to breast cancer due to their considerable amount of breast tissue.
• Genetics. Women who have genetic changes to certain genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Women with a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer are at higher risk.
• Medical history. You are more at risk of developing breast cancer for a second time if you have had it before. You are also more at risk if you have had noncancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ.
• Reproductive history. Starting your periods before age 12 or starting menopause after 55 puts you at a higher risk due to prolonged hormone exposure.
• Dense breasts. Women with more connective tissue than fatty tissue (dense breasts) may be more likely to develop breast cancer.
• Height. Women 5'6" or taller have a 20-30 percent increased risk of breast cancer compared to women 5'1" or less, according to the Susan G. Komen Organization. This may be due to exposure to higher growth hormone levels and certain growth factors in puberty.
• Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). This drug was given to some pregnant women in the United States between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage.
• Exposure to chemicals. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), environmental carcinogens, radiation and air pollution could increase your risk of breast cancer.

Other controllable lifestyle factors that can raise your risk of breast cancer include being overweight, being physically inactive, taking hormones for an extended period of time, drinking alcohol, smoking and working the night shift.

Breast health statistics

"About 42,000 women and 500 men die annually from breast cancer in the U.S.," Chen said. "Black women have a higher rate of death from breast cancer than white women."

In the U.S. in 2023, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there will be approximately:

• 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women
• 55,720 new diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• 43,700 women who will die from breast cancer

Breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 of all new female cancers each year. Look after your breast health and reach out for medical support if you notice anything "off" about your breasts and general health.

When to go to the doctor for breast health issues

If you are considered high risk, speak to your doctor about how often you should undergo clinical breast exam screening. Concerning breast health, Chen said people should know the following symptoms that necessitate a visit to a healthcare professional:

• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• New breast lumps or new lumps in the armpit
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple
• Breast pain or pain around the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple (other than breast milk and including blood)
• Distinctive change in the size or shape of the breast

Many of these changes can happen with several problems and do not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. But any change is a cause for concern. See your healthcare provider for peace of mind.

"[However,] people should seek medical advice if they notice any significant breast changes that they are unsure about," Chen said.