Big boobs, big problems
THE female breasts are important structures — from providing sexual stimulus to nutrition for newborns, they play an important role.But with such great responsibility the twin sisters can also be the source of much psychological grief pain, frustration and strife.
Dr Jomo James, internist, said breast size does matter, and while many women would appreciate a little more cleavage, there are disadvantages whether the breasts are as a result of implants or natural growth.
“The female breasts come in many sizes, ranging from A to the more overly blessed V cups. Larger sizes are also the result of breast implants and augmentation for whatever reason. There is clear-cut definition of what a large size is, but it is generally accepted as anything above a D cup or a size relative to the body type of the woman, whether slim or overweight.
However, while being visually impressive, there are disadvantages to having large breasts,” he said.
These include:
1. Cancer. According to Dr James, the larger the breasts, the more breast mass and tissue which studies show can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, both benign and malignant. Dr James added that women with larger breasts also have a poorer prognosis. “There are many theories as to why mainly larger breasts are associated with obesity, which in itself confers a poor prognosis. Also, larger breasts make it more difficult to detect cancer thereby most women with big breasts present at an advanced stage,” he said.
2. Back, chest and shoulder pain. Dr James said larger breasts bring the centre of gravity forward, leading to more pressure on the spinal column or backbone. “This results in back pain, poor posture and even bending of the spine, called lordosis. The longer it persists, the more severe these back problems can become,” he said. The internist said big breasts can even lead to a slipped or herniated disc, and added that shoulder and chest pains are also associated with oversized breasts.
3. Psychological issues. “Big breasts may present a distorted view of body image, and garner negative attention from others,” Dr James said. He added that being teased or mocked as a young woman about your breast size can lead to depression and anxiety.
4. Infections. The internist explained that when the intertriginous region — the area where the skin of the breasts touches the skin of the chest/abdomen — becomes moist or wet, it can get infected, usually with skin fungus.
5. Physical inactivity. Dr James said without a doubt, large breasts simply get in the way of any activity.
6. Brassiere size. Dr James explained that one disadvantage might be finding a proper-fitting bra. “Larger brassieres might be difficult to find and one may have to resort to custom-fitted brassieres with special support that cost more,” he said.
7. Obesity. While not always the case, Dr James explained that large-breasted women tend to be obese or overweight.
Dr James said there are no quick remedies to larger breasts and women’s expectations have to be realistic.
“For ease of discomfort it is suggested that women wear proper-fitting brassieres, learn good posturing techniques to avoid stress on the back, and if overweight or obese, diet and exercise to lose weight to alleviate the symptoms.”
Dr James said if all else fails and the larger breasts are too much to bear or debilitating, then breast reduction surgery is an option.
