Although breast pain can be a symptom of cancer, not all pain is related to this condition. Some cases show that breast pain can also be caused by other factors, such as unhealthy eating patterns or hormonal issues.
Causes of Breast Pain Besides Cancer
Hormonal Changes and Menstrual Cycle
Incorrect Bra Size
Injuries to the Chest Area
Inflammation of the Breast
Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Taking Certain Medications
Breast Structure
Breast pain can generally be felt up to the outer breast, even under the armpits. This can understandably cause anxiety because breast pain can be a symptom of cancer.
However, breast pain can arise from many factors other than cancer. For example, hormonal issues, breast size, medication use, and several others.
Let's find out what the causes of breast pain are in the following article.
Causes of Breast Pain Besides Cancer
A typical sign of breast cancer is pain in the breast accompanied by a lump in the organ. However, you may have experienced breast pain without a lump.
This condition may not indicate cancer but could be due to one of several factors:
1. Hormonal changes and menstrual cycle
The body undergoes hormonal changes that can increase sensitivity and cause breast pain during menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations such as estrogen and progesterone are often the main causes.
The pain may also be accompanied by breasts feeling heavier or swollen.
However, this pain is generally temporary and will improve after menstruation ends. This is because the body's hormones return to normal and symptoms naturally subside.
2. Incorrect bra size
Breast pain can also be caused by wearing the wrong bra size. It's important to choose a bra that fits your breasts properly. Wearing an ill-fitting bra can contribute to breast pain.
A bra that is too tight can create excessive pressure on the breasts, which can trigger discomfort. Therefore, make sure the bra you wear is not too tight to provide maximum comfort.
Especially during exercise, you can use a wire-free bra that is more suitable for supporting physical activity.
3. Injuries to the chest area
Another cause of breast pain is injuries to the chest area. One common cause of chest injuries is excessive sports activities.
When engaging in intense physical activities that rely on chest muscles, these muscles can experience strong tension, which can then lead to pain.
Therefore, it's important to warm up or stretch before exercising. This can help reduce the risk of chest muscle injuries and reduce the potential for breast pain.
4. Inflammation of the breast
Mastitis or inflammation of the breast is a common medical condition that occurs in breastfeeding mothers. Typically, this condition occurs when there is a blockage in the milk ducts, which can cause pain, swelling, redness, and even fever.
It's important to treat mastitis promptly to prevent it from becoming a more serious problem. Proper treatment includes regular breastfeeding or pumping, applying warm compresses to the breast, and sometimes using antibiotics.
5. Unhealthy eating patterns
In addition to the above four factors, breast pain can also be caused by unhealthy eating patterns. For example, excessive consumption of foods or beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee or soda, can increase breast sensitivity and cause pain.
Furthermore, foods high in saturated fats or high sugar content can exacerbate symptoms of breast pain.
Therefore, avoid these foods to prevent breast pain.
6. Taking certain medications
Certain types of medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can cause breast pain.
Additionally, hormonal medications such as fertility treatments and birth control pills can also potentially cause breast pain by affecting the body's hormone balance.
If you experience this, stop using the medication immediately and consult your doctor to switch to another safer option.
7. Breast structure
Lastly, breast pain can also occur due to breast structure. Women's breasts have varying structures from one individual to another.
Women with larger breasts sometimes experience breast pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain. Typically, this pain is first felt on the outer part of the breast and can then spread throughout the chest area.
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