Aging changes in the breast

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Female breast

Mammary gland

With aging, a woman's breasts lose tissue and subcutaneous fat, reducing breast size and fullness. There is also a decrease in the number of mammary ducts.

The breasts lose support. Aging breasts commonly flatten and sag, and the nipple may turn in slightly. The areola (the area surrounding the nipple) becomes smaller and may nearly disappear. Loss of hair around the nipple is common.

Breast cancer risk increases with age. Women should perform monthly breast self-examinations . However, because breast self-exams do not always pick up early stages of breast cancer, women should also talk to their health care providers about mammograms .

Review Date: 11/06/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.