Specialties & Services

Breast Health

Whether you need a screening mammogram or breast cancer treatment, Saint Luke’s offers a full range of services and access to the latest imaging technology. We offer the most advanced technology for detecting breast cancer early, and treating it completely.

 Schedule a mammogram

What is breast self-awareness?

Breast self-awareness is knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. Your breasts change as you go through different stages of your life. So it’s important to learn what is normal for your breasts. Knowing about your breasts helps you spot any changes in them right away. Tell your doctor about any changes.

Why is breast self-awareness important?

Many experts now say that women should focus on breast self-awareness instead of doing a breast self-exam (BSE). These experts include the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some experts even advise not teaching women to do a BSE. That’s because research hasn’t shown that doing BSEs helps.

Breast self-awareness is different than a BSE. It isn’t about following a certain method and schedule. It’s about knowing what's normal for your breasts. That way you can spot even small changes right away. If you see any changes, tell your doctor.

Changes to look for

Contact your doctor if you find any changes in your breasts that worry you. These changes may be:

  • A lump.

  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, especially if it's bloody.

  • Swelling.

  • A change in size or shape.

  • Skin changes, such as redness, thickening, or dimpling of the skin.

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.

  • Nipple problems, such as pain or redness.

If you find a lump

Call your doctor if you find lumpiness in one breast. Also call if you feel something different in the tissue or feel a definite lump. Sometimes lumpiness may be due to menstrual changes. But there may be reason for concern.

Your doctor may want to see you right away if you have:

  • Nipple discharge that is bloody.

  • Skin changes on your breast, such as dimpling or puckering.

It’s okay to be upset if you find a lump. Be sure to call your doctor right away. Remember that most breast lumps are benign. This means they are not cancer.

Normal Breast Changes

Breasts change over time. Their size and texture may vary with shifts in your body weight. Breasts also change as you go through different stages of your life.

New mother and grandmother holding newborn baby girl..

Puberty

Breasts start growing before a girl begins to menstruate. This happens in response to hormonal changes. Each girl’s breasts mature at their own pace.

Menstrual cycle

Most women’s breasts change during the menstrual cycle. Before each period, mammary glands may swell and become tender or lumpy. After the period ends, swelling, tenderness, and lumpiness are likely to decrease. Women who take birth control pills may find that their breasts become firmer and larger.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, mammary glands enlarge to make milk. This makes breasts larger and firmer. When breastfeeding ends, breasts return to their original size and may feel less firm.

Menopause

During and after menopause, ducts and mammary glands shrink. They’re replaced by fatty tissue, making breasts feel less lumpy. Women who take hormone therapy may have fewer breast changes related to menopause.

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