Being aware of the health of your breasts even when you are a teenager

When we think about breast cancer, we tend to think that only older women can get it and that as a teenager you do not have to worry about it.  

Even though the chances are much less, you still need to be aware of any changes in your breasts, no matter what age you are and especially if you have a history of breast cancer in your family.

People also think that is is just girls that need to be aware of this, but the truth is, even thought it is very rare, boys can also be affected.

The main purpose of a woman's breasts are to produce milk for a baby and the breasts are made up of fatty tissue with milk glands.  Men's breast are also made up of fatty tissue and it is important for both sexes to check for any lumps, bumps or changes.

It is important that you look at yourself in the mirror and take note of any changes as well as doing a self examination of your breasts at least once a month.  If you feel anything 'different' or you are worried, it is better to visit your doctor.

Breast cancer can be cured if it is detected early enough.

You can have a look out for the following:

The skin of you breast will look different than normal and you must also check if there is a change in size.  Do not be alarmed if the one breast is a little bigger than the other, this is quite normal, especially during a certain time of the month, but if you see a huge change you must rather seek a professional's opinion.  

Rather be safe than sorry.

If you do the self examination, remember that the tissue in your breast have a certain feel to it, but if you feel any lumps or bumps that were not there before, seek help.  Many times it is a benign cyst, but that can only be determined with a mammogram or sonar.  Make sure to also feel under your arm pits, because lumps can also form there.

If you see a discharge from your nipples, which can be blood stained you need to tell your doctor.  Also have a look at any change in shape and color of your nipples.

If you see any red spots or rashes around the breasts or dimpling of the skin, you also need to make an appointment with your doctor.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their life times and quite a few cases were documented of young girls getting it.  This is why it is important to check your breasts regularly and not wait too long to visit your doctor if you feel something is wrong.

It is best to go and see your doctor as soon as possible, but know that most of the time it is not something to be worried about, it can be something non-cancerous, so do not just expect the worst, but also do not try and ignore it.  You are not only going to stress yourself out more for not knowing, you can also put yourself in danger  unnecessary.