Watch: [Understanding Your Body] Breasts

⭐English subtitles available⭐

 

 

Due to various factors including

the westernization of diets, excessive stress, and hormonal imbalances,

the incidence of breast diseases has continued to rise.

 

In particular, breast cancer in South Korea ranks second among all cancers in women

and is the highest among East Asian countries, making it a serious concern.

 

Breast cancer can even occur in men,

so it is important for both men and women to pay attention to breast health.

 

The breasts of women vary from person to person,

but they are generally shaped like hemispheres.

 

Located on either side of the chest, the breasts sit in front of the pectoralis major muscle

and span from the 2nd to the 6th rib.

 

At the center of the breast is the nipple,

surrounded by a brownish area called the areola, which is about 1.5 to 6 cm in diameter.

 

Additionally, the areola contains sebaceous glands called Montgomery glands,

which secrete a substance that acts as a moisturizer to keep the nipple soft

while also providing antibacterial protection.

 

During pregnancy, the areola darkens and enlarges,

helping newborns, who have underdeveloped vision,

easily locate the mother’s nipple for breastfeeding.

 

Breastfeeding is the primary function of the breast.

 

Therefore, the internal structure of the breast is closely related to this function.

 

During pregnancy, breast tissues develop

in response to estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin hormones.

 

The breast is composed of about 15 lobes,

which are further divided into several smaller lobules.

 

The lobules, connected to the milk ducts,

produce breast milk in response to hormonal signals and store it in the ducts.

 

When a baby suckles, the hormone oxytocin triggers the release of milk,

which is expelled through the nipple.

 

Many women experience various breast-related symptoms.

 

However, these are not always signs of a medical issue.

 

For example, some women may be told during a health check-up that they have dense breasts.

 

Dense breasts have a high amount of glandular tissue,

making it difficult to detect lumps, but fortunately, this does not indicate a health problem.

 

Also, many individuals visit the hospital fearing breast cancer

when they experience tingling or aching in their breasts.

 

However, most breast pain is cyclic, caused by hormonal changes during menstruation.

 

Other than menstruation, breast pain can also occur during pregnancy as the breasts enlarge.

 

However, it is important to note that if a lump is felt along with the pain,

a diagnostic evaluation should be conducted to rule out any serious conditions.

 

For women, it is essential to regularly check their breasts through self-examinations.

 

Especially for women who have had a hysterectomy or are post-menopausal,

it is advisable to set a specific day each month for regular self-examinations.