The Healthy Breast:

The breast is composed of adipose tissue, glandular epithelium, ducts, blood vessels, lymph vessels and collagen supporting fibres and the skin.  These are all overlays upon the normal musculature of the chest wall.  Exercise will tone up and increase the size of the musculature.  The breast, however, on top of these muscles is as soft and pliable as any tissue in the entire human body.  Poorly fitting bras displace this tissue by pushing it under the arm, and can impede circulation and lymphatic drainage which interferes with cellular health. Poorly supporting bras allow the breast to sag with gravity, thus reducing the elasticity of the skin from the face to the chest.

For the woman who values her health, she should regularly perform breast self-examinations to check for the presence of lumps, swelling, heat and soreness.  She should also wear a correctly fitted, properly supporting bra. 

For more information, speak to your doctor.   To contact the Canadian Breast Cancer society (Ontario Chapter) call 1-866-373-6313 or visit www.cbcf.org/ontario