Breast health: Everything an athlete needs to know
Caring for your breast health as an athlete is very important.
As everybody’s breasts look and feel different, knowing how to conduct a breast check and becoming familiar with what is normal for you and your breasts is important to promote breast health. It will also help you identify any changes in your breasts as they occur, allowing you to see your doctor if there are any concerns.
Doing regular breast checks and noting down any changes in your breasts is important for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women with approximately 17,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
What are risk factors breast cancer?
There are many factors that may influence your risk of developing breast cancer.
Risk factors of breast cancer include:
- Gender – approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women
- Age – approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50
- Breast density – women with higher breast density have an increased risk
- Previous diagnosis of breast cancer
Contrary to popular belief, not all women with a family history of breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Approximately 95% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of breast cancer.
For more information on breast cancer risk factors we encourage you to visit the Australian Government’s Breast Cancer: The risk factors website.
How can you conduct a breast health check?
Regular self-exams are one way to practice breast awareness, allowing you to identify any changes as they occur. To conduct a breast check, conduct the following steps.
- Conduct a visual check of your breasts and nipples shape, size and colour while:
- Standing in front of the mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips
- Standing in front of the mirror with your arms lifted in the air
- Feel your breasts while:
- Standing or sitting
- Lying down with one arm bent at the elbow and resting above your head
When do I seek the advice of my doctor regarding my breast health?
We recommend you seek the advice of your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- New lumps or lumpiness
- Change in the nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Persistent breast pain
- Persistent nipple, breast itching or rash
- Changes in the shape of your breast
- Changes in the colour of your breast
