Factsheet
Breast Pain - Mastalgia
Date 01 July 2008
Pain chart |
BREAST PAIN
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common symptom, which women may experience at different times in their lives. Many women worry that pain in their breasts is caused by breast cancer. Breast cancer rarely causes breast pain, however a thorough history and examination by your health care provider, and possibly some further tests, may be required to be sure that breast cancer is not the cause of the pain.
There are two main types of breast pain. If you are experiencing either of these types of pain talk to a health professional about it, especially if it is severe or affecting your daily life. For example, if it is interfering with sexual, physical, social or work-related activities.
CYCLICAL BREAST PAIN
Cyclical breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle and the rise and fall of hormones during the cycle. Pain occurs in the time leading up to your period, then lessens and settles during the period. Approximately two thirds of women with breast pain have this type of pain. Cyclical breast pain:
- Occurs in premenopausal women.
- Typically presents in 30-40s.
- Usually starts in the second half of the menstrual cycle,increases until the period starts, then it settles.
- Pain usually involves upper outer breast area radiating to underarm.
- Pain can be spread over both breasts, but may be more severe in one breast.
- Pain is described as "dull", "heavy" and "achy".
- Pain usually settles during pregnancy and menopause.
Non-cyclical breast pain is not associated with the menstrual cycle, and can be either constant or intermittent (comes and goes). Approximately one third of women with breast pain have non-cyclical mastalgia, and they are usually in their 40-50s and are peri-menopausal. The pain tends to be one-sided and localised within one section of the breast. Women describe the pain as "burning", "drawing", "achy" and "sore".
HOW TO MANAGE BREAST PAIN
Although breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer, you should see your health professional so that they can assess you, and address any concerns that you may have. The treatment options for breast pain need to be chosen for your situation.
You will be asked about:
- How long you have had the pain, and what the pain is like.
- Exactly where in your breast the pain is.
- How the pain affects your life.
- When the pain occurs in relation to your periods.
- Your menstrual history.
- Your family history and your general health history.
- What medications you are using, especially hormones.
- If you have noticed a difference in the way your breasts look and feel.
The next thing that your health professional will do is examine your breasts, and then they will decide whether to send you for further tests. They may also ask you to keep a pain chart (see example) for at least a month or two, so that they can get an accurate idea of when you have the pain and what the pain is like for you. Then your treatment plan can be developed.
TESTS
The tests that you may be sent for are:
- A mammogram - an x-ray of the breast.
- An ultrasound.
WHAT MIGHT HELP?
Treatments for which there is evidence
- A well fitting sports bra can provide relief of symptoms.
- Stress reduction (reassurance and simple relaxation therapy).
Treatments for which there is no evidence
- Evening Primrose oil.
- Vitamin A, B6 or E.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.
- Narcotics.
- Diuretics.
- Reducing caffeine intake.
REMEMBER
If you are experiencing breast pain, consult a health professional.
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For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
