BREAST PAIN - BREAST CANCER?

Two thirds of females are affected by breast pain at least once in their life. On the other hand, breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in women worldwide. Read on to learn if there may be a link between both.  

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

 Two thirds of females are affected by breast pain at least once in their life. Primarily in their so called ‘child-bearing age’ between 15 and 40, the reproductive years.
 
On the other hand, breast cancer is not only one of the most debilitating diseases for women, it is in fact the most diagnosed type of cancer in women worldwide. (See newmedicalfrontiers.com)
.
Leaves us with the question, if breast pain (medical term mastalgia) is the one and only symptom of breast cancer at all.

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF BREAST PAIN – SCIENTIFICALLY VERIFIED

In fact, there are quite a few conditions related to breast pain. To avoid unnecessary panicking in cases of breast pain, let’s rationalize the situation in following.
 
Startin​g with the least ‘dramatic’ cause of breast pain:

• Unfavorable bra fit

 
This can happen in cases where, e.g.
- a bra is too tight
   or
- where it is incorporating a wire hurting the breast tissue or just the skin  

In cases like these, it may be helpful to wear a supportive and more comfortable bra especially in situations when exercising.
 
This helped at least two thirds of females when exercising, according to research by
- MVR Cancer Center & Research Institute in Kerala, India
   &
- Service Institute of Medical Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan
 

• Mastitis 

 
Swelling of the breast according to infection may be another problem. As the result of breast feeding or otherwise, potentially causing breast pain as well.
 
With following additional potential symptoms:
- fever
- headaches
- warmth in parts of the breast
- flu-like feelings      

According to the American Cancer Society.
 
Also

• Medications

 
may potentially cause breast pain as well. Like ones for
- treating cardiovascular problems with respect to irregular heart rhythm/congestive heart           
   failure/high blood pressure, etc.
- potassium-sparing diuretics
- mental health conditions     

According to the U.S. National Breast Cancer Foundation in Dallas, TX.

• Hormonal changes

 
Regularly, there are hormonal changes before periods start. These may well cause swollen/tender breasts with pain (termed ‘cyclic breast pain’).
 
Potentially related to additional symptoms before the period starts, according to the Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C.
 
These symptoms (‘premenstrual syndromes’ - PMS) may be, inter alia,
- tiredness
- mood swings
- constipation/diarrhea
- headaches
- bloating
- acne
- poor sleep  

While PMS is usually temporary only, to wear a supportive/comfortable bra also in this case is recommended.
 
However, this kind of breast pain and related symptoms may also occur as the result of other hormonal changes, like those during the time of pregnancy as well as the beginning of menopause.
 
These hormonal fluctuations can also cause a type of relatively harmless but potentially painful situation.
 
    *  Fibrocystic breast disease  

is giving the breast a lumpy feeling.
 
With symptoms such as, inter alia,
- sensitive nipples
- itchiness
- tenderness  

Especially before period starts but mainly stops after menopause.
 
According to research at, inter alia,
- University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Pretoria in Pretoria, South Africa            
   &
- Agha Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan
 

• Neck-back-shoulder injuries/sprains

 
Another reason for breast pain may be a pinched nerve root due to inflammation or damage in the neck/back/shoulder caused by injury or sprain and this pain could well be felt also in the breast.
 
According to research at, inter alia, Mugla Sitki Kocman University in Mugla, Turkey.

• Chest wall pain

 
can happen as well. As a type of pain in the chest, giving the feeling of being located in the breast.
 
With symptoms such as, inter alia,
- sharp/burning pain
   &
- pain worsening in cases of movements  

As the actual result of, inter alia,
- gallstones
- rheumatoid arthritis
- angina
   etc.
 
Based on research at the organization Breast Cancer Now in London, UK.

• Breast cysts

 
Known as fluid-filled sacs, they are happening frequently in situations of pre menopause. Not necessarily but potentially felt as painful.
 
According to the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in Stockport, UK.
 
Finally – yes –

• Breast cancer

 
may also well be one of the causes behind of breast pain.
 
As verified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Related to symptoms, such as, inter alia,
- swelling/thickening in parts of breast 
- breast change (size/shape)
- red inflamed/flaky skin around nipple or other part
- lump in breast  

Not only this.
 
According to the American Cancer Society, conventional breast cancer therapy with surgery and radiation can lead to scar tissue and well cause, inter alia,
- change the appearance of the breast (make it firmer/rounder)  
- pain/numbness when scar tissue is around nerves
- a lump to be formed if scar is around stitch from surgery  
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IN A NUTSHELL​

Two thirds of females are affected by breast pain at least once in their life. On the other hand, breast cancer is in fact the most diagnosed type of cancer in women worldwide. In this blog we clarify the link between both.   

MEDICAL ADAGE OF THE WEEK
 
“If people let government decide what food they eat and what medicine they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny."
American President
Thomas Jefferson
(“Man of the People”)
1743-1826
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HAVE AN UNSOLVED HEALTH PROBLEM?
Go to
www.newmedicalfrontiers.com
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