If a patient complains of sore breasts (or any other breast problem) we must first take a complete history, including family history of breast disease. There are two types of breast pain: that associated with the menstrual cycle and that unrelated to the onset of menses. An assessment of reproductive history is important: age of menarche, pain related to her menstrual period, etc. Is she on medication, e.g. the birth control pill; medication for endometriosis such as danazol; phenothiazines; diuretics. Has she been treated in the past for breast disease? Did she ever have a mammogram? Has the woman recently noted any nipple discharge or change in breast contour, specifically dimpling or thickening? Is there a history of regular exercise such as jogging? Sore breasts can occur due to inadequate breast support during physical exercise. A complete physical examination of the breast and its lymphatic drainage areas should be performed (please refer to standard textbooks). Depending on the patient's age the presence of associated risk factors, and the physical examination, you may ask for a mammogram. Hindle W. Breast Disease for Gynecologists, 1990. TF