Hi Bloom

Well, I'm going to come right out and say ... it's not cancer. First, breast pain is only rarely associated with cancer. Second, it would not involve both breasts. And, to ease your mind further, here's a link to some articles I posted a long time ago about Fatty diet not linked to breast cancer.

If there's any way you could get your hands on a copy of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book ... it is excellent. I bought a copy for my sister. While it does discuss cancer and treatments, it also has a lot of information about breast health, development, aging and yes a whole chapter devoted to breast pain. She has a website; here's the link to her article Do you have breast pain?.

And, from the Grace Women's Hospital in Calgary Canada:

Breast Pain

Most women have some breast pain at various stages in their life. This pain may be mild or, in extreme cases, interfere with daily living. It is important to know that breast pain is usually not associated with breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Pain

Cyclical - Usually breast pain is cyclical. This means it varies depending on the normal changes in hormone levels each month (estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin) and the sensitivity of breast tissue to these hormone changes.
During each menstrual cycle, the breasts are prepared for the changes needed for pregnancy. Fluid may be retained prior to periods. This makes breast swollen, heavy and painful. The extra fluid usually goes away 7 to 10 days after menses starts and the pain usually goes away as well.

This cycle repeats itself every month during the reproductive years.

Taking hormone replacement therapy can produce this same pain and breast swelling--only it tends not to go away.

Non-Cyclical - This type of breast pain is not related to the menstrual cycle and the woman's normal hormones. It tends to be in one specific area. The cause may be irritation of breast tissue (for example, after biopsy), injury to the breast, larger simple cysts and breast infection.

Non-Breast Origin Pain - Often chest wall pain can be mistakenly thought of as breast pain. Too much exercise or swelling between the ribs (costochondritis) can cause this feeling. This pain will usually go away in time.

Assessing of Breast Pain

Your doctor will take a thorough breast health and family history and then examine your breasts. A mammogram and/or ultrasound may be done to rule out any other cause for the pain (for example, cysts). It is important to identify the site, strength and duration of the breast pain. It is also important to know what has been done to relieve the pain and if it has been helpful.

Management of Breast Pain

If breast pain interferes with your daily living activities, you may want to consider:

• Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra. This is especially important if you do active sports. Some department stores and specialty stores can offer you advice on what bra fits you best.
• Changing your diet. Some women may benefit from simple changes, such as: Reducing caffeine products. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and some medications. Even very small quantities of caffeine may stimulate your breasts. Reducing salt intake to help reduce fluid retention.
• Routine physical exercise. Reduction in body fat and decrease in production of estrogen work together to help decrease pain. Exercise causes an increase in endorphins, which in turn decreases breast tenderness and fluid retention.
• Vitamin supplements. Many women experience a decrease in breast pain using Evening Primrose Oil. The benefit of other vitamins, such as Vitamin A, E, B6, and Iodine is uncertain.
• Aspiration (removing fluid) of larger simple cysts.
• Antibiotics for breast infections.
• For more severe pain, a short-term medication regime may be tried. Diuretics can be used to decrease swelling. Drugs such as Tamoxifen and Danazol can be used to manipulate your own hormones. They are not generally recommended because of unwanted side-effects and will only offer a short-term solution.
• Reducing your dose of hormone replacement therapy.
• Anti-inflammatory medications to treat chest wall pain.
• Reducing stress in your life. Hormones respond to stress.
• Stopping smoking.