Breast Health Through The Decades – Part 2 – In Your 30s

Cultivating breast health awareness is key in this decade. Fortunately, in the 30s, breast problems tend to be benign (noncancerous). Although breast cancer rates for women in their 30s are still pretty low, it’s time to start monitoring your breasts for changes. Younger women commonly experience fibrocystic breast disease, a broad term that is characterised by breast pain, cysts, and noncancerous lumpiness.

Breast pain can be cyclic, coming with menstrual periods, or it can be more persistent. Fibroadenomas can also affect women in their 30s. These rubbery lumps made of fibrous and glandular tissue aren’t cancerous, but they can hurt. If they’re bothersome, they can be surgically removed.

In addition to continuing the healthy habits you cultivated in your 20s, there are a few more things you can consider:

1. Get a clinical breast exam and become breast aware.
Continuing to receive clinical breast exams yearly while in your 30s.

2.Evaluate your risk to determine a plan of action.
Monitor your own breasts for changes and report any concerns to your doctor. If you’re in a high risk group due to family history, your doctor may want you to start getting annual mammograms or MRIs.

3. Keep stress in check.
A recent study of women under 45 found that exposure to several stressful life events, such as divorce or death of parents, were associated with breast cancer. Cultivating happiness and optimism boosts your natural defense against illness. Simply adopting a “don’t worry, be happy” mantra won’t protect you from cancer, but a positive outlook will help you stick to all the other good habits you’ve developed, contributing to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Source: InfoMed Malaysia

If you want to get yourself checked or know anyone who would like to get their breasts checked, visit Columbia Asia Hospital Petaling Jaya this month!

Tags

• 30s
• awareness
• Breast Cancer
• women