Known medically as mastalgia, breast pain is a common problem. It is often due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle (cyclical breast pain).
This pain tends to affect both breasts, is most severe before periods, and may be aggravated by stress, caffeine, and smoking. Breast pain not related to menstruation (noncyclical breast pain) may have various causes, including muscle strain, a breast cyst (a fluid-filled sac in the breast), inflammation of the breast (mastitis), a breast abscess, or engorgement of the breast with milk after childbirth. Sore, tender breasts may also be an early sign of pregnancy. Only very rarely is breast pain by itself a sign of cancer.
Mild cyclical breast pain does not normally need treatment. Severe cases may be treated with medication. A supportive bra may also help to relieve the pain. For noncyclical breast pain, treatment depends on the cause.