Final answer:
Unexpected nipple discharge in women should be followed up with medical evaluation, as it might be a symptom of an underlying condition, though not all nipple discharge indicates cancer or necessitates a biopsy. Galactorrhea can be related to medication use or hormonal imbalances, and monthly breast self-exams are important for early detection of changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching a health promotion workshop to women in their 40s and 50s, it's important to clarify understanding about nipple discharge. One critical point is that unexpected nipple discharge of any type warrants medical follow-up. This is because while not all nipple discharge is abnormal or a sign of serious disease, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.
Discharge that is bloody, occurs without manipulation, or is from only one nipple is particularly concerning and should be evaluated. In contrast, galactorrhea, a milky discharge often associated with high levels of prolactin, might be a side effect of medications, including hormonal birth control, or an indicator of a hormonal imbalance. It is not necessarily a normal age-related change. While lactation is a natural and expected process of the breast during nursing, occasioned by the action of several hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin, any lactation outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding (inappropriate lactation) should not be dismissed and may require further medical examination, though it does not necessitate a biopsy on its own. Furthermore, consistent and accurate breast self-exams are beneficial for detecting early changes such as lumps or other subtle changes in the breasts which may indicate the need for professional medical evaluation.