Breast pain - How common is it?
Breast pain is common. It tends to affect women aged between 30 and 50.
About 7 in 10 women get breast pain at some point in their lives.[1] [2] In the UK, breast pain is the second commonest breast symptom women see their doctors about. The commonest breast symptom is a lump.[3] [4]
References
- Gately CA, Mansel RE. Management of the painful and nodular breast. British Medical Bulletin. 1991; 47: 284-294.
- Ader DN, Shriver CD. Cyclical mastalgia: prevalence and impact in an outpatient breast clinic sample. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 1997; 185: 466-470.
- Laver RC, Reed MW. The management of women with breast symptoms referred to secondary care clinics in Sheffield: implications for improving local services. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 1991; 81: 242-247.
- The BRIDGE Study Group. The presentation and management of breast symptoms in general practice in South Wales. British Journal of General Practice. 1999; 49: 811-812.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.




