Just For Girls

1. What’s ‘normal’ for your breasts?

The first thing you should know about breasts is that they are all unique. They come in all shapes and sizes – some are round, some are tear-drop; some are big, and some are small. Nipples can be pink, brown or black, like your skin tone, and can also vary in shape and size, even on the same girl! Like fingerprints, no two breasts are alike.

It’s common for teen girls’ breasts to have:

• Sensitivity and aching – especially around the time of your period
• A size difference between breasts
• Inverted nipples
• Hairs around the nipples
• Stretch marks

Girls’ breasts grow and change over their lifetime. Here’s a brief outline of what you can expect:

Early signs of breast cancer include:

Image used with permission from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

• A new lump
• Thickened or hard skin around the breast
• Pain or tenderness in the breast or armpit not related to your menstrual cycle
• Puckered or dimpled skin around the breast or nipple (think: orange peel)
• A change in the look and feel of the nipple
• New or bloody liquid leaking from the nipple

Knowing what’s normal for your breasts can help you notice changes. You can do this by checking them regularly and becoming aware of how your breasts look and feel. You can do this any time, like when you’re:

If you see any changes or anything unusual, talk to your doctor. It could save your life!

Think beyond your bra size! Know the ABCDs of breast health…

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If do smoke, think about quitting. Keep away from second-hand smoke.

Know the risks for breast cancer and what you can do to avoid them.

Know what’s normal for you and what’s not.

Stay fit by exercising regularly, eating well, and avoiding alcohol.

Remember!

There are lots of things you can do today to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer in the future. The biggest impact you can have on reducing your risk is to make healthy choices when you’re young because this is when your breasts are changing the most.

Living a smoke-free life can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer in the future!

• Breast Cancer Nova Scotia (2010). Youth breast health – Information for life.
• Cancer Care Manitoba (2010). Be PINK – Adolescent Breast Health Lesson 3: Breast and body familiarity.
• Canadia Breast Cancer Foundation (2013). Breast Awareness.
• Breast Cancer Care UK (2013).