Common breast problems

Breast pain

Breast pain is common and usually caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy can also cause breast pain.

Some women experience breast pain every day, not just during the menstrual cycle. This pain is commonly associated with shoulder pain and may be worse at the end of the day or after exercise. For some women, breast pain may be severe enough to need some form of treatment.

Tips to help relieve breast pain:

* Try wearing a supportive bra, even in bed.
* Try wearing no bra, or a loose-fitting bra.
* Cut out coffee, tea and cola drinks to reduce caffeine.
* Cut down on salt and fat in your diet.
* Try vitamins B6 and B1: check with your doctor or pharmacist for the dose needed.
* Evening Primrose Oil may help, but do not take it if you have epilepsy.
* Try holding a hot water bottle to your breasts or having a hot bath or shower.
* A cold shower or icepack may be more helpful for some women.
* Try gentle relaxation techniques or gentle massage.
* Talk to your doctor about trying anti-inflammatory medication.
* If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, talk to your doctor about going off it for a while to see if that helps or discuss changing your prescription.

If none of these help, you may need to see a GP who will refer you to a breast specialist. More complex treatments using hormones may be needed. Contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for more information.

If you develop breast pain and it is not a usual part of your monthly cycle, have it checked by your doctor. While there is usually another explanation, sometimes unusual breast pain can be a sign of breast cancer.

Hormonal changes

These are changes that can cause swelling, lumpiness or tenderness of the breast. Many women experience such changes as hormone levels affect their breast tissue during their menstrual cycle.

They usually happen during or just before a period. Women taking hormonal treatments for contraception (such as the ‘pill') or hormone replacement therapy may also experience these changes.

Cysts

Cysts occur when fluid becomes trapped in the breast tissue. They are very common in women aged 35 to 50. They usually disappear with menopause, but are common in women taking hormone replacement therapy. Cysts may feel soft or firm and may sometimes be painful to touch. More than one cyst may grow at the same time. They are harmless, but to make absolutely sure that it is not cancer, your doctor should check any lump that can be felt. The fluid in cysts can be drained by a fine needle. Cysts can sometimes come back after draining.