Breast Pain Does Not Necessarily Mean Breast Cancer
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.
If you have breast pain, it is vitally important to report all your symptoms to your physician. To help you remember, make note of the experience. Where is the pain located? What is the frequency and intensity of the pain? Does the pain vary, or is steady? What things make the pain better or worse? For accuracy's sake it is best to jot down your answers while you are experiencing the pain.
In case you have breast pain do not think as though you are the only one having it. It is as common as every one woman in ten having it. It ranges from slight to svere for more than five days in a month. There are chances that it lasts throughout your menstrual period. It is mostly the younger women but even the older ones can go through this.
As to be expected, a lot of women have pain in their breasts become worried they might have breast cancer. This is a good reason to have regular breast exams. While your doctor needs to perform these every so often you can also give yourself a self assessment as another line of early detection. There are plenty of websites that can show you how to do this, or you can ask your doctor for instructions.
The positive news is that pain in one's breast hardly ever means cancer. There are many reasons why you may have breast pain. The most likely culprit pertains to the reproductive hormones. Your monthly menstrual period can bring with it breast tenderness and/or soreness. This kind of pain usually affects both breasts.
It is clear that there are many causes of breast pain. A doctor will work to rule out the serious causes and offer methods of pain relief. Over the counter analgesic medications are one such method for relieving pain in the breast area and its associated symptoms. Depending on the exact cause of the pain, another pain relief method is to wear a more supportive bra.
You might worry about cancer when you feel breast pain, and 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 get a mammogram done right away. Many women who experience pain worry that it 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.
Published August 30th, 2008