Don't Ignore Unusual Pain

While monthly pain in your breasts is usually in sync with your menstrual cycle, it is really important to recognize unusual pain. Keep a record of your menses so you won’t be caught off guard. A good way to do this is to use a small pocket calendar, and mark each day that your period is in flow. Carry the calendar with you, even on vacation or while traveling, so that your record will be accurate. Keep the dates of your most recent screenings in the calendar, too. Mark the dates of your mammogram, ultrasound, PAP smear, chest x-ray, and blood tests that you may have had. Make note of any medications that you are taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.

If you do have unusual pain in your breasts, check your calendar to see where you are in your cycle. It may be that the pain occurs at a regular point in your menses, but if not, mark the pain in your calendar and give it a rating (1 – mild pain, 10 – hard ache). If the pain continues past your cycle, or occurs at an unusual time, see your doctor and find out what the cause of the pain may be. If the pain is associated with a lump, thickening, or other changes in the breast, please do not wait before making an appointment with your doctor. Look at it this way – if the pain is related to something benign (harmless), you will know sooner and then you can stop worrying. However, if the pain is worrisome, ask for the right screening test without delay.