Women's breasts are not only an important organ for lactation and breastfeeding, but also a part of the body that has a great emotional and psychological impact on women.
Breasts are the subject of many myths and misconceptions. Especially for the LIGA Life channel, Oksana Garashchenko, a mammologist and surgeon of the highest category with over 20 years of experience, shared her thoughts on the topic of women's breasts, refuting common superstitions.
Is it necessary to wear a bra
Recently, the topic of abandoning bras has been actively discussed on social networks. Some believe that wearing a bra is a necessity, while others refuse it because of the desire for comfort. According to surveys of some Ukrainian lingerie brands, women are increasingly choosing models without underwire, without a Push-up effect, and prefer comfortable tops. But does a bra really affect the health of the mammary glands?
A mammologist dispels the popular myth that a bra can cause breast cancer or fibroadenoma. There is no evidence for this claim. Wearing a bra, even for a long time, does not cause breast tumors. However, it is important to understand that the bra itself does not have a direct effect on the health of the gland. If underwear causes discomfort, it is more likely due to skin sensitivity or allergies to the materials from which it is made. Instead of giving up a bra, it is important to choose a model that is comfortable for you and does not cause discomfort.
A mammologist's advice for those with large breasts
There is an opinion that women with large breasts must wear a bra for support, otherwise it can lead to back pain, neck pain and other health problems. Oksana Garashchenko explains that the physics here is simple: large mammary glands need support, because without it the skin can stretch, and the gland itself can sag. But does this necessarily lead to pain?
For women with large breasts, wearing a bra can be comfortable, but it's a matter of choice. The doctor notes that some women with large breasts cannot do without a bra because they experience discomfort and even aesthetic problems. While others may refuse it when their breasts do not cause much strain. The key is to choose comfortable underwear that suits your body type. If you feel discomfort due to lack of support, you may want to consider bra options that will provide you with comfort.
Breast self-examination is not prevention
Many women believe that breast self-examination is an effective method for preventing breast cancer. However, according to current recommendations from doctors, this method is not diagnostic and does not guarantee the detection of tumors in the early stages. While it can help detect changes in the breasts, it is worth remembering that even experienced doctors are not always able to feel stage I or II tumors.
Breast self-examination can give false confidence. A woman who does not notice anything during the examination may think that her breasts are fine and not consult a doctor, which reduces the chances of early detection of the problem. Therefore, regular examinations by a mammologist are more effective. According to the recommendation, women should undergo an examination every one and a half years, starting from the age of 20.
On what day of the cycle to go to a mammologist
There is often a myth among women that you need to go to a mammologist for an examination only on a certain day of the menstrual cycle - usually on the 4th-5th day. However, Oksana Garashchenko notes that in reality this is not mandatory. You can consult a mammologist on any day of the cycle if you suspect changes or pain in the breasts.
A preventive examination makes sense if the breasts do not hurt, and it is also better to conduct it in the first phase of the cycle - from the 5th to the 20th day, when the glands are less sensitive.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has many risk factors, one of which is genetic predisposition. Mutated genes can significantly increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, as Angelina Jolie has shown. If your close relatives have had breast cancer, it is important to consult a doctor and possibly undergo genetic testing.
Genetic testing helps to determine the presence of such mutations. However, there are some cheap tests that do not provide true information, so it is better to choose more accurate genetic tests that can give a better picture of the risks of developing the disease.
Despite this, there are other risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, coffee or even stress, but these factors are much less decisive than genetic mutations.
Top 5 tips from a mammologist for breast health
- Go for regular check-ups. Get examined by a mammologist annually or at least once every six months. This will allow you to detect any changes in a timely manner.
- Pay attention to heredity. If your relatives have had cases of breast or ovarian cancer, be sure to undergo genetic testing. This will help assess the risks and take timely measures.
