I am 39 years old and started experiencing itchy, painful breasts about 2 weeks ago. There are no suspicious lumps nor visible changes to my breasts unless I scratch too vigorously which leads to redness. I am due to start my period in a few days and hoped these symptoms would disappear when I get my period. I have to admit that I am beginning to worry. I called my doctor but she cannot see me until the end of the month. She did not sound concerned about my symptoms. Should I be more persistent and try to get in to see her sooner? Is this something I should be concerned about? The itchiness, pain, and sensations I am feeling are something I have never experienced before. I am experiencing a lot of stress in my life recently and am wondering if this is all interrelated. I also understand that early detection is key in surviving breast cancer and am wondering if I should go to my doctor's office tomorrow and insist that she see me sooner. Please help!!
Q: I am 39 years old and started experiencing itchy, painful breasts about 2 weeks ago.
Hi Rachel - if the itchiness and pain was occurring in just one breast, not both, I'd say yes, be concerned. But when both breasts are involved it's rarely, rarely, RARELY (i.e., almost never) anything to do with breast cancer. Did you start using a new detergent? Start eating something that could be causing an allergic reaction? Maybe you could prevail on the doctor to fit you in simply to assuage your emotional stress... It's good to be diligent about breast changes, so I'd get it checked. But frankly, since it's in both breasts at once, this doesn't sound like a cancer symptom. Good luck - PJH
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What did you ever find out?
I am having the same in both.