Breast health starts with paying attention to yourself
Breast Health Starts with Paying Attention to Yourself
Taking care of your breast health starts with knowing your own body - noticing changes, checking your breasts regularly and keeping up with recommended preventive examinations. But caring for yourself is also part of everyday life, including choosing a bra that provides the right support and feels comfortable on your body.
While preparing this article, we consulted Dr Elīna Voitehoviča, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Sievietes Veselības Centrs (Women’s Health Centre), about breast health and preventive care.
Know Your Breasts
Although the risk of developing breast cancer increases after the age of 50, younger women can also be affected. That is why it is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any new or unusual changes.
From the age of 20, it is recommended to check your breasts yourself once a month, preferably around one week after the start of your period. Pay attention to the shape and symmetry of your breasts, changes to the skin or nipples, as well as any new areas of thickening, lumps, tenderness or pain.
A breast self-check does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional. Women aged 50 to 68 should have a mammogram every two years as part of Latvia’s national breast cancer screening programme. An annual breast examination by a gynaecologist or family doctor is also recommended.
The Right Support Starts with a Well-Fitting Bra
A woman’s body changes throughout her life, which means her bra size may change too. It is a good idea to reassess your bra size every one to two years, as well as after significant weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding or during menopause.
A well-fitting bra should not cause deep marks, chafing or pain. The cup should comfortably contain the entire breast without compressing the breast tissue.
The main support should come from the bra band rather than the shoulder straps. Around 80% of the support should be provided by the band around the body, while the straps help keep the bra comfortably positioned.
Finding the correct bra size is therefore about more than numbers on a label. The bra should work with your body and provide stable, comfortable support throughout the day.
Support Does Not Always Mean Underwire
A supportive bra does not necessarily have to be an underwired bra. One of our favourite wireless styles is the Powerlace bra - a lightweight bra with soft cups designed to provide support and comfort, including in larger sizes. Padded shoulder straps provide additional everyday comfort, while the wide elastic band underneath the bust offers support and helps the bra sit comfortably against the body.
For women looking for a comfortable and supportive bra across a wide range of sizes, our Comfortable and Supportive Lace Bra is another option. It combines elegant lace with a stable fabric to create a balance between femininity, support and everyday comfort.
Foam side-support panels incorporated into the cups help keep the breasts comfortably in place and maintain their shape, while the carefully considered construction provides stable support throughout the day.
For women with fuller breasts in particular, bra construction can make a significant difference to everyday comfort. The right band size, an appropriate cup shape, wider padded straps and thoughtfully designed support elements all work together to create a more comfortable fit.
Caring for Yourself Starts with Paying Attention
Taking care of your breast health requires regular attention. Everyday comfort, meanwhile, starts with listening to what your body needs.
Knowing your body means recognising what is normal for you, noticing changes, attending recommended breast cancer screening and other preventive examinations, and choosing the support that feels right for your body.
ROSME and Dr Elīna Voitehoviča encourage you not to put off your breast self-check until another day. Take a few moments for yourself and do it today.