It's a real pain in the...boob.

(We're all grown ups here, and we all deal with it, so why not speak in clear language about it???)

Breast pain is also known as mastalgia, and in most cases, is NOT an indicator of breast cancer.  It was once certainly one of MY concerns, as since I've gotten older, my monthly tenderness has gotten a LOT worse.  My doctor explained that it's probably a sign of the early onset of peri-menopause (Oh. Joy. I'm 41. I'd say that's early.)

For the most part, breast pain is caused by a change in hormones. Whether it's puberty, PMS, pregnancy, or menopause, the surge in hormones can make the girls pretty sore.

There's also a common thing called "fibrocystic breasts"....which can make for lumpy girls, especially around that time of the month. I'm blessed (??) with this condition too. Those lumps you feel are filled with fluid, and they're cysts, rather than a mass of cells (cancer).  Those fibrocystic changes are also common causes of breast pain.

There is a distinct set of symptoms associated with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, including swelling, redness, a bruised appearance, and rapid increase in breast size.

ThinkStock / RyanKing999
ThinkStock / RyanKing999
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As with all health-related issues, if something just doesn't "feel right", see your doctor.  If you experience pain accompanied by:

  • Nipple discharge:  bloody, clear, or colored
  • A new lump with pain, with the lump not going away following your cycle
  • Persistent, unexplained breast pain
  • Signs of infection, like localized redness, fever, or discharge

...you should definitely consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Are you 40 or older, and/or have a history of breast cancer in your family?  If so, have you had your baseline mammogram yet?

There's nothing to be afraid of.  Watch mine here!  I'll even go with ya if you want!

 

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