October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month and before the month ends, we provide another reminder of the importance of being aware of your breats.

Did you know Traditional Chinese Medicine can extend to care for your breasts? Here Dr. Deborah Ma shares some insight on breast care and self screening.

Breasts come in different sizes and shapes:

Picture source: Bigstock

80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, it not only leads to bad posture and ill shaped breasts, more importantly it can affect your health. 

2 steps to determine your bra size:

1. Under Bust Measurement -- Band Size 

• Run a tape measure all the way around your body just underneath your breasts and take a measurement in inches. Make sure the tape measure is horizontal and fairly snug. Your arms should be down. 

• If this measurement is an odd number, then you should try out bras in both the size below your measurement and the size above. For example, if you measured 31 inches (78.7cm), your band size could be 30 or 32.

If your measurement is already an even number, this is almost always your band size, but you may need a smaller or larger size depending on your body type.

Picture souce: Bigstock

2. Over Bust Measurement -- Cup Size 

• While standing up, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts. (Keep the tape as horizontal as possible — make sure that it's not sagging around your back.) 

• Subtract your band size from this new number to calculate your cup size:

Less than 1 inch = AA

1 inch (2.5 cm) = A

2 inches (5 cm) = B

3 inches (7.5 cm) = C

4 inches (10 cm) = D

5 inches (12.5 cm) = DD

6 inches (15 cm) = DDD (E in UK sizing)

7 inches (18 cm) = DDDD/F (F in UK sizing)

8 inches (20.5) = G/H (FF in UK sizing)

9 inches (23 cm) = I/J (G in UK sizing)

Health issues caused by wearing the wrong bra:

• Neck, shoulder, and back pain 

• Pinched nerves in the neck

• Digestive problems

• Skin rashes 

• Headaches

• Sagging breasts that only surgery can reverse

• Blockage of the lymph nodes

  
  

A closer look: 

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The female breast is mostly made up of a collection of fat cells called adipose tissue. Inside are up to 12–20 sections called lobes. Each of these lobes is made up of many smaller lobules, the gland that produces milk in nursing women. Both the lobes and lobules are connected by milk ducts, which act as stems or tubes to carry the milk to the nipple. These breast structures are generally where the cancer begins to form.

What is TCM’s theory on breasts?

In TCM, breasts belong to the stomach meridian, and the nipple is connected to the liver meridian. If you have PMS, it is most likely caused by liver Qi stagnation, affecting the stomach energy, and will cause swollen breasts and sensitive nipples.  That's why TCM doctors know that women who are usually stressed have breast pain before their period. These PMS symptoms can be solved after using some herbal formulas. 

Is it true that moms with small breasts produce less milk?

When it comes to breastfeeding, bigger doesn't mean better. Breast size is irrelevant. The size of a woman's breasts is mostly determined by how much fatty tissue they contain. But this tissue doesn't have anything to do with the quantity of her breast milk.

Moms that have issues with low milk supply can be helped by taking some herbal teas prescribed by a TCM doctor.

How often should I have a clinical breast exam?

You should have a clinical breast exam every one to three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam may be recommended more frequently if you have a family history of breast cancer.

What about breast self-exams?

• Women should start becoming breast aware from the age of 20. 

• About once a month 2-3 days after periods are over, when the breasts are less lumpy and tender is the best time to check.

• Examine breasts and armpit with one arm raised.

• Use finger pads with massage oil or shower gel (if in the shower).

• Examine using these patterns:

Picture source: Bigstock

• Examine breasts in the mirror and look for these signs: lumps, skin dimpling, and changing skin color or texture. Also, check the nipples for deformation, color changes, or leakage.

  
  

  

  Picture source: Bigstock

  
  

  If there are any signs of abnormalities, please consult a physician immediately.