Nearly seven out of 10 women will experience some degree of breast pain at some point in their lives. Because we have been taught that pain means something is wrong, women often jump to the conclusion that breast pain must be cancer. However, breast pain is rarely caused by cancer.

By far, the most common cause of breast pain is hormonal. Menstruating women usually experience breast pain one to two weeks prior to their period because estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are highest at that time in the menstrual cycle. Those hormones, designed to prepare the breast to make milk, cause a marked increase in fluid and tissue in the breast. As a result, the breasts become swollen, lumpy and painful (usually in the upper outer areas of the breast). These symptoms usually near completely subside a few days after menstruation is over. The best treatment is an anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil or Aleve that can be purchased over-the-counter.

A non-malignant breast cyst is another common cause of breast pain. This pain is usually localized to one single area of the breast and is often associated with a lump. Again, this pain commonly occurs a week or two prior to a woman's monthly period. In most instances, the cysts will disappear on their own. Occasionally, needle aspiration is required to shrink the cyst.

Women of any age can develop breast pain if they have experienced a significant weight gain over the recent months. Fat is usually deposited into the breasts and stretches the breast tissue causing the breast pain. For menopausal women, the most common cause of breast pain is the use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen replacement). This pain is usually daily, constant and affects the entire breast. High intake of caffeinated products can trigger similar breast pain. The best treatment is to not drink or eat products containing caffeine for a short time.

Finally, breast pain can be caused by infection of the breast. In mothers who are breast feeding, this is quite common. Infection can also occur in non-lactating women (particularly in women who smoke). Pain caused by infection develops rapidly, is localized, and associated with a redness and warmth of the skin. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.

If you have unexplained breast pain that persists, causes worry about breast cancer or otherwise disrupts your life, get checked by your healthcare provider. After taking a complete history your provider will perform a breast exam and perhaps order breast imaging.

Dr. Timothy J. Pagana is medical director of Susquehanna Health's Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center, 1705 Warren Ave., and of Divine Providence Hospital's Surgi Center.