Is breast pain during menstruation a sign of breast cancer?

I am 28 years old, often have chest pain during my menstrual period, each period lasts 1-2 weeks. Is this a sign of breast cancer? (Ngoc Huyen, Ben Tre )

Reply:

Chest pain is a common symptom in women, occurring at levels ranging from mild, moderate to severe, most of which resolve on their own, with only about 15-25% of cases requiring treatment. Chest pain is divided into three groups: related to the menstrual cycle, unrelated to the menstrual cycle, and due to causes outside the chest. Of these, chest pain related to the menstrual cycle is the leading cause.

This condition can be caused by hormonal changes, usually appearing about a week before menstruation. Symptoms usually appear on both breasts, the common pain location is the upper 1/4 of the outer corner of the chest (near the armpit). Mild pain is manifested by slightly tense breasts, larger than normal, painful to the touch. Severe pain affects daily activities.

Some people have chest pain that lasts for several days after their period ends, while others only have it for a short time. At this time, touching your chest can feel like there are many worrying lumps. However, these lumps usually disappear after your period ends. If your period ends and the lump in your chest still remains, you should see a doctor to find the cause.

Breast cancer has symptoms of breast pain, but it usually appears in the late stages and has other symptoms before the pain appears. A rare form of breast cancer is inflammatory breast cancer, which presents with redness, thickening of the skin surface, and pain in one location on one side of the breast.

Breast pain related to your menstrual cycle is not usually a sign of breast cancer, but you should have a breast exam to rule out malignancy.

Track your menstrual cycle and breast pain to see a doctor in time. Photo: Freepik — Track your menstrual cycle and breast pain to see a doctor in time. Photo: *Freepik*

People using birth control pills, ovulation stimulants for assisted reproductive treatment, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, and some other medications for gastritis, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, etc. can also experience chest pain due to changes in hormone levels.

To reduce pain, women should wear a well-fitting bra and apply warm or cool compresses. Reduce caffeine intake from coffee, soda, and energy drinks, use less salt to avoid water retention, and avoid staying up late. Women with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and insomnia should see a doctor and get treatment to improve chest pain.

A high-fat diet can cause cyclical chest pain. Therefore, reducing the amount of fat in your diet can help improve this condition. Meditate and relax to improve the symptoms of discomfort and restlessness; avoid running and jumping, which can make chest pain worse.

If the chest pain does not improve or is accompanied by any unusual signs such as nipple ulcers, nipple discharge, unusual lumps..., you should go to a medical facility with a breast specialist for examination. Depending on the symptoms, severity, age and health, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

MD.CKI Tran Thi Ngoc Bich
Department of Breast Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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