Ten Surprising Facts about Breasts

More than any other organ in the human body, the breast occupies a place in our social and cultural landscape well beyond its physiological function to nourish our offspring. “The soft tissue that we think of as a breast is actually a mammary gland, a complex system of fat cells and ducts that produce milk and deliver it to a baby via the nipple,” says plastic surgeon and breast specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen.

As much attention as we pay to the size, shape and appearance of a woman's breasts, there are many fascinating facts – both important and trivial – that most people don't know about breasts. Here are just a few of them.

Breast size is hereditary. Genetics do play a role in determining breast size but not necessarily as you'd expect and they don't tell the whole story. We inherit half our genes from each parent, so your breasts may not resemble your mother's, her mother's, or her sister's. Your father's genes have a say. “Environmental factors also play a role,” says Dr. Chen, “especially weight. Breasts are partly made up of fatty tissue so as you gain and lose weight, your breast size will change.”
Humans are the only primates with permanent breasts. All mammals have breasts and produce milk for their young but we are the only ones who develop breasts at puberty and keep them throughout our lives. Others are temporary, growing when needed to nurse then receding until needed again.
The ancient Egyptians knew about breast cancer as far back as 1600 B.C. Writings on papyrus describe tumors consistent with modern descriptions of the disease. Over the following centuries, many causes were suggested – from imbalances of bodily fluids to compression from tight clothing – and treatments ranged from cauterization to opium to arsenic.
You cannot exercise your way to bigger breasts. “Breasts are made of tissue, not muscle,” says Dr. Chen. “They may change in size with hormonal and weight changes. But even exercising the underlying chest muscles won't increase the size of your breasts any more than creams or lotions will.”
Some animals get breast cancer. It is more common in dogs – and in some breeds – than in cats but tends to be more aggressive in cats. Spaying female dogs before their first heat dramatically reduces their risk of developing a malignant mammary tumor.
Breastfeeding won't cause your breasts to sag. Droopy breasts are a natural consequence of aging as skin loses elasticity and as dense breast tissue is replaced by fat, which is more prone to sagging. Smoking and multiple pregnancies are contributing factors but breastfeeding has no effect on elasticity and will not cause breasts to sag. Only corrective surgery can lift sagging breasts.
The left breast is usually slightly larger than the right one. Very few women have perfectly symmetrical breasts. Differences in size up to 20% are normal. No one knows why the left breast is usually the larger one.
Larger breasts don't produce more milk. Milk production does not depend on the size of the breasts. Large breasts are often large because they contain more fat cells, not more milk-producing cells.
Breasts are growing. The average bra size was 34B twenty years ago. Today, it is 34DD. Some of the change is due to companies inflating the sizes on their labels but increasing obesity, the number of women taking birth control pills, and exposure to environmental pollution are contributing factors.
Breast implants won't last a lifetime. Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in the U.S. But women who get implants in their 20s should not expect to still have them thirty years later. “Most implants have a ten-year warranty,” says Dr. Chen, “but many develop problems well before then and have to be removed or replaced.”

Constance M. Chen, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with special expertise in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction.

The post Ten Surprising Facts about Breasts appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine is a treatment that is not commonly used by mainstream medical professionals, but has been proven to be beneficial for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.

While both forms of medicine are commonly used, many conventional doctors do not recommend them due to insufficient evidence or safety concerns.

There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.

Many CAM treatments are based off theories that have been around for thousands years. However, clinical trials over the past 20 years suggest that some of these therapies might work.

A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may be able to relieve pain. Similar to chemotherapy, preliminary data suggest that acupuncture can reduce nausea or vomiting. Another study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms such as irritable intestinal syndrome, fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.

As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.

Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.

Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?

Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.

This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.

Physicians must know both modern science and traditional methods, such as homeopathy and herbs, to fully understand the impact of each factor on patients.

Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.

Is holistic medicine safe?

Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.

They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.

Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies address the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Statistics

category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)

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How To

What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. Praying and visualization are two of the methods used to heal energy.

CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices vary widely regarding how much scientific evidence supports them, whether they involve drugs or surgery, and which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others do neither.

There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness training and guided imagery. It also includes self-hypnosis, meditation, qigong and Tai chi. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are many spiritual healing options, such as faith healing and prayer within energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.

There are many reasons people use CAM.

To improve their overall wellbeing.
To manage a special condition.
To reduce discomfort or pain
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some choose CAM because they don't have to take prescription medication. Some people prefer not to use pharmaceuticals. Others seek out CAM after having bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM want to know what they are doing before they try something new. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely upon word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends.

Although CAM is sometimes viewed negatively in society, many users have positive feelings about it. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don't. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is treated by chiropractors or massage therapists.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

Despite this conclusion, CAM continues to grow in popularity. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.

A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.

CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily for pain relief; however, many also offer other benefits, such as relaxation, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Their roots date back thousands of years.

For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.

TCM has remained an important component in health care even though it was not until the middle of 1800s that Western science became popular.

Today, it's estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Another popular CAM therapy is yoga. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Although limited scientific research has been done, yoga may have beneficial effects on sleep33.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

Herbal medicine is one of the most popular types of CAM.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 60% of patients suffering from cancer use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 50% of all cancer survivors have reported using CAM.

According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.

However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.

This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.

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