Many women do have lumpy breasts and often their breasts become uncomfortable or painful, especially in the few days before their periods start. These changes are almost always completely benign and are not a sign of cancer.

If you are worried either because the breast pain is troublesome or because you would like reassurance that there is no sign of cancer then do see your family doctor. He or she can take all the details and give you a proper examination.

The Department of Health has recently given clear guidelines to general practitioners about women who come to them with painful lumpy breasts. These say that they should arrange an appointment with a specialist in a breast clinic to check for anyone who comes with lumpiness which is not the same in both breasts and which is still present just after they have their period or women
who have pain in the breast that is not helped by simple pain killers or wearing a well supporting bra.

When the breast specialist sees you he or she will examine you and may arrange some tests, such as a mammogram (an x-ray of the breast).

In the very unlikely event that a cancer is discovered then you will need surgery to remove it and possibly some radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone treatment but the specialist and the breast care nurses at the clinic will explain this to you.

If, as is almost always the case, the condition is benign then it may be that just the reassurance of this will be sufficient but if pain is a problem then treatment with tablets or medicines may be needed.

So the likelihood is that the lumpiness and discomfort in your breasts is nothing to worry about but do see your doctor for their advice if you are at all anxious.