Breast Pain

Abstract

Breast pain, or mastalgia, is a common symptom experienced by up to two-thirds of women. They often present to their GP fearing that this is a symptom of breast cancer. Most have only mild-to-moderate breast pain and accept this as part of the normal changes that occur during their menstrual cycle. Some women, however, have more severe symptoms requiring treatment. As a GP it is essential to be able to competently take a history and examine a woman complaining of breast pain to ensure there is no underlying sinister cause and then be able to explain, reassure and offer advice on how to manage symptoms.

The experience of breast pain (mastalgia) in female runners of the 2012 London Marathon and its effect on exercise behaviour

“…Mastalgia is a common health complaint experienced by up to two-thirds of the general female population 1 2. Mastalgia can impact the health and well-being of women interfering with social, physical, sexual and work-related activities 3 4.…”