I just want to add my voice to those reminding us of the importance
of BSE (breast self exam).  Because we know breastfeeding reduces
(not eliminates) our risk, it is easy to get complacent.  Because we
are working with women and their breasts, we are in a position to
give them some gentle reminders also.  When I talk about why a mom
should breastfeed and mention the reduced Br CA risk, I always
follow it with the disclaimer that it is still important to continue
to be aware of changes in our breasts.  I let them know that
lactating breasts can be "lumpy".  Lumps and bumps that  come and go
from place to place in their breasts are most likely full ducts, but
any that does not change warrants further evaluation.
In my own case, I really believe BSE saved my life (so far).  I
found a grape-sized tumor only 6 months after a "clean" mammogram!
Fortunately, in spite of the rapid growth, there was no evidence of
spreading.  If I had just assumed the mammos would catch anything,
who knows what the status would have been after another 6 months
(assuming I had the mammos on a regular yearly basis).
I know there is a philosophy out there that says we shouldn't talk
about "examining" our breasts because that word assumes one will
"fail" the exam.  I don't care what you call it, body awareness or
self-exam, the important thing is DO IT!
Don't know if it had any impact or not, but I seem to remember
tending to nurse a lot more on the left so I could do things with my
right hand, and my CA was in the right breast.
Winnie Mading RNC, IBCLC, 5 yr survivor

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