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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Promoting Breast Health for Teenage Girls
Taking care of your body is important, and that includes understanding breast health. As a teen, your body is going through a lot of changes, and it can sometimes feel confusing. But learning how to check in with yourself and know what’s normal can make a big difference in feeling confident as you grow.
Breast health is more than just keeping an eye out for changes; it’s about understanding how your body works as you grow. During your teenage years, your breasts will go through natural changes, and getting familiar with how they feel can help you build a sense of awareness. This kind of awareness can help you detect any unusual changes early on, which is key to staying healthy.
Doing regular self-exams is one of the best ways to stay familiar with your breasts and notice any unusual changes early on. Here’s an easy, step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Pick the right time: The best time to do a self-exam is the week after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you don’t have your period yet, just pick a consistent day each month.
- Start by looking: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look at your breasts and check for anything unusual, like changes in color, shape, or skin texture (such as dimpling or redness).
- Inspect lying down: This next step is done lying down because breast tissue spreads out, making it thinner and, therefore, much easier to inspect. Lie down on your back with one arm behind your head. With the opposite hand, use the pads of your fingers to press gently but firmly on your breast in small, circular motions. Move around your entire breast in a pattern, from the outer edges to the center.
- Repeat on the other side: Switch sides and repeat the same process for your other breast. Ensure that you use differing pressure levels so that you can thoroughly feel all of the tissue.
- Feel while sitting or standing: Many girls and women find this step easier to do when the skin is wet and slippery, so it can be a good idea to do this while in the shower.
- Make it a habit: Try to check your breasts once a month. The more familiar you are with how your breasts normally feel, the easier it will be to notice any abnormal changes.
If you do notice something that feels different or doesn’t seem normal, it’s always a good idea to talk to a parent or doctor for advice. Remember, most changes don’t mean anything serious, but it’s always better to be safe and check in!
As a teen, you may not need to worry about breast health screenings just yet, but it’s important to know what they are and why they matter for the future. Breast health screenings, like mammograms, are tools used to detect any early signs of breast cancer or other issues. These screenings aren’t generally necessary until your 40s or 50s but building awareness now can prepare you for later.
That said, it’s still a good idea to pay attention to your body. If you notice anything unusual — like pain, nipple discharge, or lumps — it’s always best to talk to a parent or doctor. They might recommend further testing, even at a young age, just to make sure everything is normal.
To access the full article on teen girls and the importance of breast health, click here.
