Sharp Pains in the Breast And Breast Cancer

Q: I am 33 years old, I had a complete hystectomy a few months ago. I have had sharp pains, not alot, but every once in a while in my breasts. I take an over the counter estrogen, and that is it. I am wondering if this could be some sort of breast cancer. My doctor did an exam and found nothing, but I have a very high risk of breast cancer in my family.
A: estrogen can cause breast tenderness. Breast cancer rarely causes pain. At this time, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms, with or without breast examination every one to two years for all women over 40. Women with risk factors for breast cancer, including a close family member (like a sister or mother) with the disease, should consider having annual mammograms starting 10 years earlier than the age at which the relative was diagnosed. So you may want to discuss your family history with your physician to see if they recommend getting a mammogram. Breast cancer in more distant relatives are not an indication to have mammograms at an age earlier than 40.