Breast Pain: What To Do About It
If a woman gets a pain in her breast, she may become upset and jump to the conclusion that she has breast cancer. Breast pain is not necessarily a symptom of cancer so one should not assume anything. It is a good idea to see a doctor promptly so that you can have a mammogram performed. This diagnostic tool will help the doctor determine if there are any cysts or masses that might be problematic.
If you see your doctor with regard to breast pain, try to give an accurate description of the symptoms. This can be very helpful to your physician in finding the cause. Breast pain of varying degrees is experienced by possibly 7 out of every 10 women at some time in their lives. Try to pinpoint the location of the pain, its intensity and its frequency.
As revealed in a number of studies, 1 in 10 women experience little to excessive pain in their breast for over five days each month. Often the pain persists through the full menstrual cycle. Though all women may experience such pain, it is most common amongst the younger and premenopausal women.
It's important to have regular breast exams, as mentioned before, because when many women experience breast pain they think of breast cancer. But it's also possible to do self assessment breast exams. You can find a lot of information online that will give you exact steps to doing these exams yourself. These exams can be important in diagnosing breast cancer as early as possible.
Usually simply having pain in your breast does not signify cancer. It can be caused by a number of things. The most common cause is reproductive hormones. Quite a few women experience tenderness or soreness in their breasts during their monthly menstrual cycle. Typically with this kind of pain it will affect both breasts.
There are many causes and symptoms of breast pain. Once you have had yourself checked out by your doctor there are numerous ways to treat it. A simple answer is to take an over the counter pain medication. This can reduce swelling, tenderness and even pain. You may also consider if you are wearing the right size bra and if it is supportive enough.
Pain in the breast of varying degrees is experienced by seven out of every ten women. If you see your doctor with regard to breast pain, try to give an accurate description. Try to pinpoint the location of the pain, its intensity, and its frequency. Just having pain in the breast does not mean breast cancer. The pain can be caused by many things. The first thing to do after experiencing unusual pain is to consult your doctor at the earliest opportunity. The physician may order a mammogram, or other diagnostic tests to reveal the cause of the pain. You should also perform self assessment breast exams.
Published August 30th, 2008