Things To Know

• Lumps may freak you out, but they’re usually not cancer

  In fact, 80 percent of lumps biopsied turn out not to be cancer—so don’t panic if you uncover one while you’re showering or getting dressed. Odds are it’s a kind of cyst. Fibrocystic breast changes—in which breast tissue is overreacts to hormones, which results in lumps and cysts—affect 50 to 60 percent of women. Of course, the worst thing you can do is ignore it and hope it’ll just go away. Always see your doctor any time you spot anything abnormal

• 85 percent of women wear the wrong size bra

  The right under garments can make you look thinner, improve your posture, and ease pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. You need to toss bras after they’re well worn, or if you gain or lose weight. Plus, you should get measured for the ones to get right support. Some signs of a proper fit: The band in the back is snug, and doesn’t ride up; and your breasts fit within—instead of bulging over—the cup.

• It’s normal for one to be larger than the other

  We’re not as symmetrical as you may think. About half of women have a pretty notable difference in size, with the left breast often larger than the right. Make sure your bra fits the bigger breast, and use a pad to help fill out the smaller one. If a change in size is sudden, let your doctor know—it could be the sign of an infection, lump or cyst.