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Healthy Breasts
by Susan Yudt, 11.16.00
Too big? Too small? Love 'em or hate 'em, your breasts are yours for life. The media is so body-obsessed that we forget that breasts do more than keep Victoria's Secret in business. Breasts have a biological function — breast-feeding — and, like any other body part, you need to treat 'em right. And now's the perfect time to start making sure you take good care of "the twins."
Maybe you've noticed that your breasts change during your cycle. That's totally normal — hormones can make them swell and become tender a few days before your period. You might also see or feel rubbery lumps around this time. Don't freak out! Breast cancer in teenagers is very rare.
Like everything else in your life, your family has a big influence on your breasts. Genes help determine not only the size and shape of your breasts (thanks a lot, mom and dad!), but also your risk of getting breast cancer. However, there are some factors you can control — in particular, your diet. Fortunately, this one's a no-brainer — the same things that are good for the rest of your body are good for your breasts. Eat low-fat, low-cholesterol foods. Get plenty of exercise. Cut back on caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol. (You don't smoke or drink anyway, right?)
What causes breast cancer? No one really knows for sure. Maybe you've heard that taking birth control pills puts you at risk. Not to worry. The most recent research suggests that the pill has little, if any, effect on the risk of developing breast cancer. Doctors say the benefits of the pill outweigh the risks — among other things, the pill decreases your chances of getting ovarian cancer, which is more dangerous than breast cancer.
What doesn't cause breast cancer? That's easy! Did you get that e-mail forward that says antiperspirants cause breast cancer? Totally bogus. (If you must know, there's an ingredient in antiperspirants that can interfere with mammograms ... but not cause cancer.) You may have heard that abortion causes breast cancer. There's absolutely no medical evidence to back that up. Wearing a bra doesn't cause cancer. And having sex will definitely not give you breast cancer!
While mammograms probably aren't something you need to worry about until you're older (By the way, if your mom doesn't get mammograms, here's your chance to tell her to go to the doctor!), you should probably start checking out your bod more often — one way is by doing self-breast exams. For a pretty simple, illustrated how-to guide, check out The Breast Exam.
So now you know a little more about taking care of your breasts. And, as G.I. Joe used to say, knowing is half the battle! Prevention definitely is the best medicine. But as always, when in doubt, check with your friendly neighborhood gyno, or Planned Parenthood clinician. She'll make sure your breasts are — ahem — in good hands! |
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