If you have painful breasts, the following may help:

• Take medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Use heat or ice on the breast
• Wear a well-fitting bra

No treatment has been proven to help with symptoms.

• There is no evidence that changing your dietary intake of fat, caffeine, or chocolate makes a difference.
• Supplements such as vitamin E, thiamine, and evening primrose oil have not shown any benefit in most studies. However, taking these supplements is not harmful in most cases. Before taking any medications or supplements, talk with your health care provider.
• Several prescription medications, such as birth control pills or stronger hormone medicines, have been tried for breast symptoms. None have shown a consistent benefit. These medicines may have unwelcome side effects, and some are very expensive.

Most women are not as worried about their symptoms if their breast exam and imaging tests are normal. Remember that most of these symptoms will go away over time.

There is no increased risk of cancer. Symptoms usually improve after menopause.

Women who have very lumpy breasts may be more difficult to examine. Mammograms may be harder to interpret. Therefore, early cancer might be more difficult to detect.

Call your health care provider if you find any new or different lumps on your breast self-exam. Discuss when you should start having screening mammograms.