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Health & Beauty Tips for Mums-To-Be


Breast Pain Does Not Necessarily Mean Breast Cancer

by Stephan Grindley

When experiencing breast pain, it is typical to be worried that it might be a symptom of breast cancer. Of course this is an option, but there is really no reason to be worried. The best idea is to get to the doctor as soon as possible so they can have a mammogram done. This will allow your doctor to determine if there are masses or other lumps that might be something to look into.

When talking with your doctor about any breast pain you might be experiencing, it is important to be very specific. When you have these pains you should make mental notes on the source of the pain, the intensity of the pain, the duration of the pain, and the level of the pain. To ensure that you can remember as many details as possible, it is advised that you write them down for accuracy.

If you are experiencing breast pain, don't think that you are all alone. Research indicates that as many as 10% of women experience pain in their breasts that ranges from moderate to severe, for more than five days out of a month. These pains can even last throughout a women's menstrual period. These pains are generally experienced more often in younger women, but can be experienced by women of all ages.

Understandably, many women who experience pain their breasts worry that the pain could be caused by cancer. Regular breast examinations are a good idea for this reason. Your physician will perform such exams on a period basic, but you can also perform self assessment breast exams as another method for early detection. Your physician can provide the instructions, or you can find self assessment breast exam instructions online from a reputable source.

You will be glad to hear that cancer is usually not the cause of breast pain. Several factors may contribute to breast pain. Reproductive hormones are the most common cause. Many women experience breast pain and tenderness during their monthly menstrual cycle. Usually both breasts are affected when this is the cause.

Clearly, there are a variety of possible reasons for breast pain. Once you have gone to your doctor to rule out any possibility of dangerous illness, there are several ways that one can cope with the pain. A simple way is through the use of OTC pain medication. There are several symptoms of pain in the breasts that can be dealt with in this manner. Or you may even simply need to wear a more supportive bra to deal with the pain!

You might worry about cancer when you feel breast pain. While the possibility can't be ruled out at this point, it really shouldn't be a reason to worry. Instead of wasting your time sitting around thinking bad thoughts, you should arrange to see a physician right away. A mammogram can give your doctor a chance to examine your breast tissue for lumps or other signs that might require further investigation. Regular breast examinations are a good idea for this reason. Your physician will perform such exams on a periodic basic, but you can also perform self assessment breast exams as another method for early detection.

Published August 30th, 2008

Filed in Health, Women