YOUR HEALTH

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Both my left and right breasts have many lumps. They scared me, so I saw an OB/GYN doctor. She spent a long time examining my breasts and told me I had fibrocystic breast disease and that it was nothing to worry about. I had a mammogram, and no cancer was seen. I still worry. Does this turn into cancer? -- V.B.

ANSWER: Fibrocystic breast disease shouldn't be called a disease. It has been renamed "fibrocystic changes." "Disease" is not a word that can be used when 60 percent of premenopausal women have the condition.

"Fibro" refers to strands of scar tissue. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. With fibrocystic breast changes, both breasts are usually involved, something that rarely happens in cancer. The cysts are soft and feel like they're made of rubber. They can be painful, especially in the days before a menstrual period. Cancers are solitary, hard masses that cannot be pushed around, like a cyst can.

Fibrocystic breast changes are not cancer and don't become cancer. If they do become painful, take Tylenol or one of the anti-inflammatory medicines like Aleve or Advil. Some women find that eliminating caffeine eliminates the pain of fibrocystic breasts. Others have gotten relief by adopting a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.

You can put this issue to rest.

Breast cancer is on every woman's mind. The booklet on it describes it, its detection and treatment in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 1101, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853- 6475. Enclose a check or money order for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My rear end itches fiercely. There is no bleeding and no pain. What could this be, and what can I do for it. -- M.L.

ANSWER: One of the most common causes of anal itching is fecal soiling. In place of toilet paper, buy medicated wipes, available in all drugstores, and use them exclusively for at least two weeks. This might be impractical, but if you can, after every bowel movement, soak in a tub of warm water for 15 minutes. Dry by patting with a soft towel. Or use a hair dryer.

When you're at the drugstore, purchase a tube of 1 percent cortisone cream, and apply it according to the label's directions for one week.

Eliminate from your diet coffee, colas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, beer and chocolate.

The above won't work for all causes of anal itching. Pinworms, psoriasis, dermatitis and even cancer can be the source of itching. If things don't get better in one or two weeks, you have to see a doctor for an examination.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall. com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved