Breast pain, or mastalgia, is a common symptom experienced by up to two-thirds of women. They often present to their GP fearing that this is a symptom of breast cancer. Most have only mild-to-moderate breast pain and accept this as part of the normal changes that occur during their menstrual cycle. Some women, however, have more severe symptoms requiring treatment. As a GP it is essential to be able to competently take a history and examine a woman complaining of breast pain to ensure there is no underlying sinister cause and then be able to explain, reassure and offer advice on how to manage symptoms.
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