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Clicking here will allow you to subscribe to new blog posts.") - By [Pam Fichtner](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/author/sephira-sasktel-net.html) - On September 28 2026 - 8 min read [ ](#)- [ Print](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/print/breast-chest-massage-therapy-training-rmts.html "Print") - [ Subscribe](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/javascript:void(0) "Subscribe") ## [ Nearly 30 Years in Practice and Why I Finally Decided to Teach Other Practitioners ](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/breast-chest-massage-therapy-training-rmts.html) [ ![Nearly 30 Years in Practice and Why I Finally Decided to Teach Other Practitioners](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog%20Main%20Page.png?nocache=6ae9ba2138e74) ](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/breast-chest-massage-therapy-training-rmts.html) **Pam Fichtner, BA, RMT | Breast and Chest Health Educator | Founder, Sephira Healing | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan** **TL;DR:** Most massage therapy stops at the collarbone, even though the breast and chest can carry pain, swelling, scar tissue and lymphatic concerns. After nearly 30 years of doing this work, Pam Fichtner now teaches other Registered Massage Therapists to offer breast and chest massage therapy safely, because one practitioner can't meet every person's needs. The article explains what the therapy is, why an RMT might recommend it, what happens in a session, and what informed, ongoing consent should look like. It's grounded in traditional practice and research, and it rests on proper training, clear scope and the client's right to change their mind at any time. Pam's next RMT training course is worth 14 continuing education credits. --- **Most massage therapy stops at the collarbone.** The breast and chest are treated as separate from the rest of the body, even when pain, swelling, scars, restricted movement or lymphatic concerns affect the area.![](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog1.png) I have spent almost 30 years working to change that. I decided to teach other Registered Massage Therapists because one practitioner cannot meet every person’s needs. More RMTs need the clinical knowledge, hands-on skills and confidence to offer this work safely. Clients also need to know what breast and chest massage therapy is, why it may be recommended and what consent should look like throughout a session. ## **Women want clear information and trained support** Our recent survey of 50 women showed that the interest is there, ![Survey results](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog2%201.png)but so are gaps in awareness and trust. **When asked, “Before today, were you aware that breast/chest discomfort (swelling, tenderness, heat) can be linked to hormones and the lymphatic system?”** 48% said yes, 29% said no and 23% said somewhat. **When asked, “What has stopped you from trying breast or chest-focused self-care or treatment?”** 25% selected, “I’m not sure what it involves.” **When asked what would make them more likely to try lymphatic drainage or breast/chest massage,** 33% selected knowing what to expect in a session and 33% selected practitioner trust and credentials. The survey also found that 76% were interested in direct support, including an in-person treatment, personalized consultation, class or workshop. Another 54% wanted self-care information, including at-home techniques, blogs and emails. Many wanted both. That is exactly why practitioner education matters. Women should not have to search for answers without knowing which information is reliable. They should have access to RMTs who can explain the work, stay within their scope, ask for informed consent and recognize when medical assessment is needed. ## **Breast and chest massage therapy has roots and evidence** **Breast massage is not a new wellness trend.** “Breast and lactation massage is embedded in long-standing traditional medicine, most clearly in East Asia.” Breast care has also had a long place within midwifery, lactation support and post-surgical recovery. The strongest research currently focuses on lactation and postpartum breast care. A systematic review reported: “The meta-analysis showed that breast massage, along with routine breast care, resulted in a 3.52-point reduction in pain on a 10-point visual analogue scale.” Research does not mean every technique is appropriate for every person. It means breast and chest massage therapy deserves the same clinical reasoning used in the rest of massage therapy: clear indications, contraindications, training, consent and appropriate pressure. ## **Why I use the word therapy** **![There is a reason why we use the word therapy](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog3.png)** ## Breast Massage Therapy includes breast massage techniques that focus on muscles around the breast, as well as the breast tissue itself; lymphatic drainage techniques when the therapist is trained in them and they are indicated; and scar tissue release after breast surgery when it is indicated. ## **What is breast and chest massage therapy?** Breast and chest massage therapy is a clinically indicated form of massage therapy that uses specific techniques on the soft tissue of the breast, chest and surrounding muscles. Depending on the client’s needs and the RMT’s training, it may include massage therapy, lymphatic drainage and scar tissue release. Treatment is based on an assessment and a clear reason for working in the area. It may focus on the breast tissue itself, the chest wall, healed scars, the underarm or surrounding muscles. Only the areas discussed and agreed to are treated. Breast and chest massage therapy is never automatically included in a full-body massage. **What happens during a breast and chest massage session?** Before treatment starts, the RMT should ask about health history, symptoms, surgeries and what the client wants help with. The RMT should explain what they recommend, the exact area they plan to treat, how the client will be draped and what the techniques may feel like. The client can remain covered except for the specific area being treated. Pressure and positioning can be adjusted for comfort. The RMT should check in throughout the session and provide home-care education or a referral when a concern falls outside their scope of practice. ## **Why might breast and chest massage therapy be recommended?** ![Breast and chest massage therapy](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog4.png)An RMT may recommend breast and chest massage therapy when an assessment shows that treatment could support comfort, mobility, circulation, lymphatic flow or the movement of healed tissue. The reason should always be explained clearly and connected to the client’s goals. ● Breast or chest tenderness, discomfort or sensitivity. ● Muscle tension through the chest and restrictions that affect comfortable upper-body movement. ● Swelling or lymphatic concerns, when treatment is appropriate and the RMT has specialized training. ● Healed scar tissue or tissue restriction after breast reduction or enlargement, implants or explants, lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction or gender-affirming top surgery. ● Changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when the treatment is within the RMT’s scope and referral or collaboration is arranged when needed. A recommendation is not a requirement, and massage therapy is not used to diagnose a breast condition or rule out cancer. A new lump, unexplained swelling, redness or heat, nipple or skin changes, fever, or symptoms that are getting worse should be assessed by an appropriate medical provider before massage therapy continues. ## **What should consent look like in every session?** Consent should be informed, specific, voluntary and ongoing. It should be discussed before treatment begins and revisited whenever the treatment plan, area, pressure, position or draping changes. ● The RMT explains why treatment is being recommended, the exact area and techniques involved, the expected benefits, possible risks and available alternatives. ● The RMT explains draping and whether direct breast contact or uncovering the nipple or areola is clinically needed. ● The client has time to ask questions and can agree to all, part or none of the proposed treatment. ● The client can stay clothed or covered, request a change, pause treatment or stop at any time. ● The RMT checks in during treatment, watches for changes in comfort and documents the consent discussion. ● Consent from a previous visit never creates automatic consent for today’s treatment. Your RMT should get written consent if the nipple or areola will be uncovered. And manual lymph drainage of the breast requires appropriate specialized training and additional written consent. But even with a signed form, it doesn’t replace a clear conversation. A client’s answer can change at any point in the session. I also use breast and chest massage therapy because the language needs to include people who have had mastectomies or gender-affirming top surgery and may no longer identify with the word breasts. **“Safety and consent are key.”** ## **Teaching started with wanting better care** I learned about breast massage while attending the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. I wanted to learn more, so a colleague and I sponsored Debra Curties, author of Breast Massage: The How-To Book for Massage Therapists, to teach her Breast Massage Class. ![Pam Fichtner RMT quote](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog5.png) My teaching has continued to grow alongside my clinical work, oncology massage education, research involvement and advocacy. I have also mentored students over the years, both formally and informally. Teaching a course is not only about demonstrating a technique. It is about helping RMTs understand how to think through a treatment, communicate clearly and work with an area that can carry vulnerability, shame, fear or trauma. ## **What RMTs learn in the course** ● Hands-on clinical techniques ● Breast and chest anatomy, physiology and lymphatic considerations ● Clinical indications, contraindications and appropriate referrals ● Draping, boundaries and informed consent ● A trauma-informed approach ● Ways to support clients undergoing treatment, recovering or seeking better breast and chest health ![RMT Training testimonial](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Nov-Blog6.png) ## **Breast and chest massage therapy FAQ** **What is breast and chest massage therapy?** It is a clinically indicated form of massage therapy for the soft tissue of the breast, chest and surrounding muscles. It may include massage therapy, lymphatic drainage or scar tissue release when the RMT is trained and the treatment is appropriate. **Why might an RMT recommend breast and chest massage therapy?** An RMT may recommend it to support comfort, upper-body movement, circulation, lymphatic flow or the movement of healed scar tissue. The recommendation should follow an assessment and be connected to the client’s goals. **Does treatment always include direct breast contact?** It does not have to. Treatment may focus on the chest wall, surrounding muscles, scars or lymphatic pathways. Direct breast contact should happen only when it is clinically indicated, clearly explained and specifically consented to. **Does consent need to be discussed at every visit?** Yes. Consent is an ongoing process, and a client’s needs or comfort can change from one visit to the next. The RMT should review the plan and confirm consent before each treatment. **Can a client change their mind during treatment?** Yes. A client can ask for a change, pause treatment or stop at any time. The RMT should respond right away and without pressure. **When should a client speak with a medical provider first?** A new lump, unexplained swelling, redness or heat, nipple or skin changes, fever, or symptoms that are getting worse should be medically assessed. An RMT should also refer when a concern is outside their scope of practice. ## **The next Breast and Chest Massage Therapy training** You can find all my upcoming training sessions under the classes menu of my website at [The RMT Training Course](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/classes/breast-and-chest-massage-therapy-for-rmts.html) provides 14 continuing education credits. To join the waitlist for a future session, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Breast and chest tissue is part of the body. RMTs deserve the education to work with it responsibly, and clients deserve informed choices about their care. ## **Work with me** **Sephira Healing** Pam Fichtner, BA, RMT Saskatoon, SK This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 306-230-7407 **New clients:** please email or text before booking so we can find the right fit for what you're carrying. --- ## **About the Author** ![](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/May%20Blog-Sephira-Pam%20Fichtner.png)Pam Fichtner, BA, RMT is an educator, speaker, Registered Massage Therapist, mom of two, and founder of Sephira Healing in Saskatoon. Over nearly 30 years of clinical practice, she has focused on breast and chest health, lymphatic drainage, oncology massage therapy, scar tissue and post-surgical care, craniosacral therapy, and trauma-aware somatic bodywork. Pam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women's Studies and trained at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her early work in social services and crisis intervention shaped the path that led her into massage therapy. She has been registered with the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan since 2004 (registration #2004-0870), with advanced training in lymphatic drainage, oncology massage therapy, breast massage therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Today Pam teaches Breast & Chest Massage Therapy to Registered Massage Therapists and speaks at national conferences on breast and chest health. She's a court-recognized expert witness in breast massage therapy in Saskatchewan, has contributed to breast cancer and lymphedema research and education, and is currently writing a book on the subject. Her work with clients spans the whole arc of breast health: before there's a concern, through surgery and recovery, and sometimes through end of life. --- **Disclaimer** This article is educational and reflects my experience as a Registered Massage Therapist. It isn't medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for care from a physician, nurse practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider. If you notice a breast or chest change that is new, persistent or concerning, please speak with a healthcare provider. Massage therapy does not detect, diagnose, prevent or treat breast cancer. --- **Sources** 1. Song JA, Hur MH. A Systematic Review of Breast Care for Postpartum Mothers. Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing. 2019. 2. Witt AM, Bolman M, Kredit S, Vanic A. Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis. Journal of Human Lactation. 2016. 3. Munsittikul N, et al. Integrated breast massage versus traditional breast massage for treatment of plugged milk duct in lactating women: a randomized controlled trial. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2022. 4. Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan. Bylaws 2025. 5. College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Standard of Practice: Consent. 6. Sephira Healing. Breast and Chest Massage Therapy for RMT. [https://sephirahealing.ca/classes/breast-and-chest-massage-therapy-for-rmts.html](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/classes/breast-and-chest-massage-therapy-for-rmts.html) - Posted in: - [Blog](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/category/blog.html) - Tagged with: - [breast and chest massage therapy](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/breast-and-chest-massage-therapy.html), - [breast health](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/breast-health.html), - [lymphatic drainage](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/lymphatic-drainage.html), - [saskatoon](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/saskatoon.html), - [RMT training](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/rmt-training.html), - [RMT continuing education](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/rmt-continuing-education.html), - [massage therapy](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/massage-therapy.html), - [informed consent](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/informed-consent.html), - [oncology massage therapy](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/tag/oncology-massage-therapy.html) - By [Pam Fichtner](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/author/sephira-sasktel-net.html) - On August 29 2026 [ ](#)- [ Print](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/print/what-is-normal-for-your-breasts.html "Print") - [ Subscribe](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/javascript:void(0) "Subscribe") ## [ I Learned About Breast Cancer Before I Learned About Breast Health ](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/what-is-normal-for-your-breasts.html) [ ![I Learned About Breast Cancer Before I Learned About Breast Health](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/com_rsblog/Oct-Blog-Resource.png?nocache=6ae9ba213cd02) ](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/the-hub/my-blog/what-is-normal-for-your-breasts.html) # What's Normal for Your Breasts, and When to Ask --- **The short version:** ● Most of us learn what to fear about breasts before we learn what's supposed to be normal for our own. ● Breasts change with your cycle, pregnancy, hormones, menopause, aging, weight, medication and surgery. Change on its own is not a warning sign. ● Knowing your own baseline is what makes a real change easier to notice. ● Paying attention is not the same as looking for problems. ● Bring anything new, persistent or worrying to a healthcare provider rather than diagnosing yourself online. --- ![Pam Fichtner and grandma](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Oct-Blog%201.png)I was a teenager when my grandmother came to stay with us after having a mastectomy. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery, came home, and carried on. It was in 1989/1990, I was in my 20s, and that kind of thing was not talked about openly. There wasn't much discussion about what had happened to her body, how she felt about losing a breast, whether she was scared, or what recovery might look like. I remember going downstairs to the room where she was staying and asking her about the surgery. We were close, and I asked her a lot of questions about life. She was very matter-of-fact about it. She showed me the scar across her chest, and that was about as much as we talked about it. But I thought about it. A lot. ![About 1 in 8 women in Canada](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Oct-Blog%202.png) I wondered what losing a breast meant for her. I wondered if breast cancer ran in our family. And I was scared it might happen to me one day too. Looking back now, I can see that I learned about breast cancer before I ever really learned about breast health. For a lot of women, I think that's still the order. ## What's normal for breasts? October brings a lot of important attention to breast cancer. We hear about mammograms, lumps, screening, diagnosis and treatment, but what about this: **Do you actually know what's normal for your own breasts?** After nearly 30 years working with women and their breast health, it’s clear we need to start talking about this earlier, and getting comfortable with it. That doesn't mean knowing every possible symptom. Sometimes, we memorize the flags and rule them out to decide if everything’s normal or not. That can create fear if you’re not familiar enough with your breasts that you have some idea of what is typical for you. Breasts change. They can change with: ● your menstrual cycle ● pregnancy and breastfeeding ● hormonal changes ● perimenopause and menopause ● aging ● weight changes ● medications ● surgery and other health experiences One breast may be a little larger than the other. Your breasts may feel more tender or full at certain times of the month. Your nipples and areolae can look different through different stages of life. Texture can change. Shape can change. How you feel about your breasts can change too. None of that means you should dismiss a new or concerning change. It means having a baseline makes it easier to recognize when something really is different. ## “Is this normal?” The question I hear most Sometimes it's “one breast is bigger, is that normal?” Sometimes it's “my nipple looks different,” or “why does one breast hurt,” or “my tissue feels lumpier this month,” or simply “something just feels different.” And sometimes the question comes with an apology. “This might be a stupid question.” “This is embarrassing.” “I don't know if I should even be asking this.” There are very few breast or chest questions I haven't heard. You do not have to apologize for asking me one. But if you’re too uncomfortable asking anyone, I'd much rather you get curious than sit at home worrying. Ask yourself these questions: ● What changed? ● When did you notice it? ● Is it on one side or both? ● Does it change through the month? ● Is it new for you? Those are often much more useful starting questions than jumping straight to the worst-case scenario. ## Paying attention is different from looking for problems This is something I wish more people understood. ![Your Breast and chest health](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Oct-Blog%203.png)Paying attention to your breasts doesn't mean becoming hyper-focused on every ache, bump or change. It doesn't mean assuming something is wrong. It means having enough familiarity with your own body to notice when something deserves a second look. That is a skill. And most of us were never really taught it. Looking for problems starts from fear, and fear is exhausting to sustain. It tends to end one of two ways. Either you check obsessively and every ordinary change feels like evidence, or you avoid checking altogether because the whole subject makes you anxious. I've met plenty of women on both ends of that, and neither one leaves you knowing your own body any better. Paying attention starts from familiarity instead. You know roughly what your breasts feel like in the week before your period, and roughly what they feel like after. You know which side is a little larger. You know the lumpy patch that's been there for a decade. None of that takes extra time or a schedule. It comes from being on ordinary terms with your own body, and it's what makes a genuine change stand out. My grandmother's generation certainly wasn't encouraged to talk openly about breasts, cancer, mastectomy, body image or what it meant emotionally to lose a breast. In my family, her surgery was treated as something private that happened, healed and was put away. Years later, some family members barely remembered it. I did. That experience stayed with me and eventually became part of why I moved toward women's health and breast health in my own work. ## Breast health doesn't start with cancer This may be the biggest thing I've learned. Breast health is not only about finding disease. And it doesn't end when treatment does either. About 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada survive at least five years ([Statistics Canada, 2025](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250813/dq250813a-eng.htm)). That means there are many women living for years after diagnosis while navigating surgery, scars, swelling, changes in sensation, body image, movement and the question of what breast and chest health looks like now. Those are the physical parts, and they're the ones that get talked about. The harder part to name is the grief. A diagnosis asks you to say goodbye to things. Sometimes a breast. Sometimes the body you had before, or the version of your life where this wasn't happening. There's rarely a moment set aside for any of that. You move from appointment to appointment, and the feelings come along without ever being put down anywhere. ![Breast Cancer Support](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/Oct-Blog%204.png) Some of my work is about making that moment on purpose. I've sat with a client who wanted to say goodbye to her breasts before a double mastectomy. We built a ceremony for it at her home, with an altar, a song that mattered to her, and a letter she wrote to herself. She went into surgery having marked the loss rather than only having braced for it. That side of my practice comes from more than my massage therapy training. I spent years as a crisis intervention counsellor and mental health advocate, I have somatic experiencing trauma training, I was a lay chaplain for six years, and I've taken end-of-life doula training. Ceremony matters to me because it gives us a doorway into making an experience meaningful. Pausing, marking the time, giving it space on purpose, and then moving on. There's no right point on the journey for it. It can be right after diagnosis, before surgery, at the end of treatment, or years later. If that's something you'd want, I can help you create one. So when I talk about breast health, I mean something much wider than screening alone. Breast health is also about: ● knowing your body ● asking questions ● understanding change ● caring for yourself through different stages of life ● getting support after surgery or treatment ● feeling comfortable enough to talk about a part of the body many of us were taught to keep private When the only breast-health message you hear is “watch for cancer,” it's easy for fear to become the starting point. I'd rather curiosity come first. ## What breast changes should you pay attention to? You do not need to memorize a giant list. Start with what is normal for you. Notice your usual breast size and shape, skin appearance, nipple appearance, tenderness, texture, and the differences between one side and the other. Then pay attention to changes that are new, persistent or concerning to you. That might include: ● a new lump or thickened area ● a nipple that becomes newly inverted ● bloody nipple discharge ● a new skin change ● anything else that simply doesn't feel typical for you Those are things to bring to a healthcare provider rather than trying to diagnose yourself online. The goal isn't to know everything. The goal is to know enough about your own normal to know when it's time to ask. ## Where to learn this in person A lot of what I teach online comes back to the same thing. Pay attention. Ask questions. Learn what helps you. Make time for yourself before something becomes impossible to ignore. But reading about those ideas and actually practising them are two different things. So there are two ways to do this with me in person. #### My Women's Wellness Retreats One full day focused on breast and chest health, lymphatic self-care, practical at-home techniques, and the questions women often don't get a chance to ask. You don't need to have a breast-health problem to come. You may simply want to understand your breasts better, learn what's normal for you, or finally make some time to pay attention to yourself. 👉 [JOIN THE NEXT ONE](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/classes/womens-wellness-retreat-breast-self-care.html) **If a full day feels like a lot** I also run a shorter Breast Massage Self-Care workshop online. Same practical ground, on Zoom, from home. You choose whether your camera is on or off, so you can learn the techniques without being watched doing them. 👉 [SEE THE NEXT ONLINE WORKSHOP](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/classes/breast-massage-self-care.html) You can book an appointment with me any time of year to talk through a breast or chest concern, ask about lymphatic drainage or post-surgical care, or join my email list, where I answer real questions people send me. 👉 [BOOK AN APPOINTMENT](https://broadwayhealthcollective.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/4) 👉 [JOIN THE EMAIL LIST](https://sephirahealing.ca/) And if you’re an RMT: I teach Breast & Chest Massage Therapy to registered massage therapists a few times a year as well. 👉 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Whichever door you come through, all of it comes back to the same thing. Nearly 30 years into this work, I still believe some of the most useful health conversations begin with a very simple question: **“Is this normal?”** I hope you’ll ask it. --- ## Frequently asked questions **Is it normal for one breast to be bigger than the other?** Yes. Some natural difference in breast size or shape is common. A new or significant change is worth asking about. **Can breasts feel different at different times of the month?** Yes. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect tenderness, fullness and how breast tissue feels. **Can nipples or areolae change colour?** Yes. Hormonal changes, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, can affect nipple or areola colour. A new change affecting only one side, especially alongside other symptoms, should be checked. **How often should I check my breasts?** Guidance on this varies, and there isn't one schedule that suits everyone. What matters more than frequency is familiarity. If you know roughly what your breasts usually look and feel like, you're far more likely to notice a real change whenever it happens. Talk to your healthcare provider about what makes sense for you, including whether and when screening applies to your age and risk. **When should I talk to a healthcare provider about a breast change?** If you notice something new, persistent or concerning, including a new lump or thickened area, bloody nipple discharge, a newly inverted nipple, or a skin change, talk with a qualified healthcare provider. **Do I need to have a breast-health concern to attend the Women's Wellness Retreat?** No. The retreat is also for women who want to better understand their breast and chest health, learn practical self-care and make time to focus on themselves. --- ## About the author **![Pam Fichtner](https://sephirahealing.saskmassage.ca/images/Blogs/May%20Blog-Sephira-Pam%20Fichtner.png)Pam Fichtner, RMT** Pam Fichtner is a Registered Massage Therapist and the founder of Sephira Healing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She has worked in massage therapy for nearly 30 years, with a practice focused on breast and chest health, lymphatic drainage, scar tissue and post-surgical care, craniosacral therapy and trauma-aware bodywork. She has been registered with the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan since 2004, registration #2004-0870, and has advanced training in lymphatic drainage, oncology massage therapy, breast massage therapy and Somatic Experiencing. Pam teaches Breast & Chest Massage Therapy to Registered Massage Therapists, has contributed to breast cancer and lymphedema research and education, has spoken publicly on breast and chest health, and is currently writing a book on the subject. Her work with clients spans the whole arc of breast health: before there’s a concern, through surgery and recovery, and sometimes through end of life. --- #### Sources and further reading *Statistics in this article were verified against the following sources on August 27, 2026.* ● [Canadian Cancer Society, Breast cancer statistics](https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/statistics) *Lifetime probability of a breast cancer diagnosis in Canada.* ● [Statistics Canada, Cancer survival statistics, 1992 to 2021 (released August 2025)](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250813/dq250813a-eng.htm) *Five-year net survival for breast cancer in women.* ● [Public Health Agency of Canada, Breast cancer in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer.html) *Overview of incidence, risk factors and screening.* ● [Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care](https://canadiantaskforce.ca/) *Current breast cancer screening guidance.* **A note on scope** This article is educational and reflects my experience as a Registered Massage Therapist. It isn't medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for care from a physician, nurse practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider. If you notice a breast or chest change that is new, persistent or concerning, please speak with a healthcare provider. 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