Our advice to take care of your breasts

Big breasts, is it more of a problem?

In addition to the fact that it is not necessarily easy to assume them, especially in adolescence, large breasts require a lot of attention and, gravity obliges, they sag more. Mainly, they can cause back pain. Each year in France, 18 women ask a surgeon to reduce them (000). The operation is reimbursed by Medicare if the volume removed weighs at least 1 grams, the equivalent of two cup sizes. “Breast hypertrophy is not gigantism, 300 g goes fast! We receive young girls who really have big breasts and who are traumatized ”, testifies Dr. Sarra Mazouz-Dorval, head of clinic in plastic surgery, at the Saint-Louis hospital (Paris). Breast monitoring is the same regardless of their size.

Is breast infection possible, even if you are not breastfeeding?

The breast is red, hot, painful, and you feel tired, with a little fever? It could be an infection. This is more common during breastfeeding because bacteria in the baby’s mouth can infect the breasts through a crack in the nipples. Young mothers are generally aware of it. But infection remains possible outside of breastfeeding periods, especially in common jacuzzis. It must be treated quickly (with antibiotics most often) so as not to degenerate into an abscess.

Should the gynecologist feel the breasts at each consultation?

« A breast palpation which includes the area of ​​the breasts, the axillary hollows and the top of the collarbones, must be performed once a year ”, underlines Dr Anne Thoury, gynecologist and surgeon. The examination can be carried out by his general practitioner or his midwife.

My breasts hurt, why?

“If the pain concerns both breasts and disappears after menstruation, it is rather reassuring”, explains Dr Espié. Other pains, and this is more surprising, have nothing to do with the breast. “The description is the same: I have pain in my breast (s), but they are caused by rheumatism between the ribs and the breastbone, intercostal bone pain or damage to nerves that project in the breast. . ”

They often occur in a single breast. It is therefore necessary to observe whether the pains are unilateral or bilateral, and punctuated by the cycle. In all cases, if they persist, it is still better to discuss them with your doctor. The causes are indeed numerous.

Does tobacco and alcohol damage the breasts?

Smoking increases the risk of breast cancerof 16%, a figure that rises to 22% if you started smoking young before a first pregnancy. Even passive smoking has an impact, albeit a small one, since it increases the risk of disease by 10% (2). As for alcohol, it increases the risk of breast cancer in a dose-dependent manner: the more you drink, the more the risk increases. “Weekend drunkenness is surely to be avoided,” warns Dr Marc Espié.

Does sport have an effect on the breasts?

How to preserve the curve of her breasts? The breasts have no muscle, so working on the pectoral does not promote good support. On the other hand, according to Dr. Stéphane Cascua, sports doctor, exercise ensures better back posture and reduces chest imbalance. In addition, sport reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Can a doctor refuse us a mammogram?

“The prescription of a mammogram outside of the recommendations of the High Authority for Health must be justified by the doctor. Now this one advises against mammograms before age 50 if no risk factor is identified : genetic mutation BRCA1 or 2, family history of breast cancer before 40 years or in a man, explains Dr Thoury. The doctor can therefore refuse to issue the prescription, unless palpation proves difficult. ”

Since January 1, 2018, a medical consultation, reimbursed at 100%, has been offered to 25-year-old women to better inform them about breast cancer screening.

Does diet play a role on the breasts?

We often read that eat mediterranean and reduce fat decrease the risk of breast cancer. “The problem is that there is not much demonstrated in the prevention of breast cancer, especially in terms of diet, regrets Dr. Espié. Let’s say you should probably avoid sugary products. “

(1) International study on aesthetic procedures performed in 2014, Isaps, 2015. (2) Inserm, mars 2014. (3) Institute national du cancer.