Breast pain is common — and rarely cancer
Breast pain (mastalgia) is very common and, on its own, is rarely a sign of breast cancer. Most breast pain is related to hormones or the breast tissue itself, not something sinister. Knowing this can take a lot of the worry out of it, though it doesn't mean pain should always be ignored.
Breast cancer much more often shows up as a painless lump or a change in the breast than as pain alone.
Common causes
The most common type is cyclical pain, which tracks with your menstrual cycle — breasts feel tender, heavy or sore in the days before a period, affecting both breasts. Non-cyclical pain can come from cysts, a pulled muscle or the chest wall, an ill-fitting bra, certain medications, or (with redness and fever) an infection like mastitis. Pain can also occur in perimenopause as hormones fluctuate.
Because there are so many benign explanations, breast pain usually turns out to be nothing dangerous.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if breast pain is persistent, is focused in one specific spot, comes with a lump, skin or nipple changes, or if one breast is red, hot and swollen (which can signal infection and needs prompt treatment). Also worth checking is any new pain that's unusual for you or is affecting your daily life.
For ongoing or worrying breast pain, a GP can examine you, arrange imaging if needed, and reassure or treat you. A telehealth consult is an easy first step.
References & sources
- 1.Breast health — Jean Hailes for Women's Health
- 2.Breast checks to detect breast cancer — healthdirect
- 3.Breast cancer — healthdirect
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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