Breast pain
You might worry about breast cancer if you have breast pain. But there are lots of reasons for breast pain. Pain on its own is rarely a symptom of breast cancer.
What is breast pain?
Lots of people have pain in their breasts. It can happen for different reasons and can be upsetting. If your breast pain is severe it can affect your everyday activities, work and relationships.
What are the types of breast pain?
- Cyclical breast pain
Pain related to the changing level of hormones during your menstrual cycle (period). Often affects both breasts, feels different at different times of the month. - Non-cyclical breast pain
Pain not related to your menstrual cycle or HRT, caused by something else. Can affect anyone. - Chest wall pain
Comes from outside your breast – from the chest wall, muscles, joints or heart. For example, the pain could be from pulling a muscle in your chest. Can be caused by a condition called costochondritis, which makes your chest wall inflamed and sore.
Cyclical breast pain
Pain related to the changing level of hormones during your menstrual cycle (period)or when taking HRT. Often affects both breasts, feels different at different times of the month.
Usually affects younger women, (less than 50 years) and women coming into the menopause (peri-menopausal women).
- Full, heavy or aching.
- Most painful during the 1-2 weeks before your period, but eases afterwards
- Can often occur with breast swelling or lumpiness.
- Usually affects both your breasts, particularly the upper, outer areas, and can spread to your underarm.
Non-cyclical breast pain
- Tight, burning or sore.
- Is constant, or comes and goes.
- Usually affects one breast in one area, but may spread across your breast.
- Size of your breast. Breast pain can be due to the size and weight of your breasts, if they’re large. You can often get neck, shoulder and back pain with this type of breast discomfort.
- An injury to your breast.
- Previous breast surgery.
- Medications: Infertility treatments, oral contraceptives (the Pill), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and some anti-depressants can all cause breast pain.
- An infection in your breast (mastitis) when breastfeeding.
- Fibrocystic breast disease.
- Liver disease due to alcoholism.
- Stress.
- Benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions of your breast.
- Breast cancer.
When should I see my doctor?
It’s important to make an appointment to see your doctor (GP) if:
- You have breast pain every day for more than a couple of weeks.
- Your breast pain seems to be getting worse over time.
- You have pain in one particular area of your breast.
- Your breast pain interferes with your daily activities.
Breast pain alone is rarely a symptom of breast cancer, but it’s always best to talk to your doctor (GP).
Getting ready to see the doctor
- If you are still having periods, make an appointment for about 3 to 5 days after your period, if possible.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you take regularly.
- Keep a note of the times and days when you have pain. Download a breast pain chart.
- Note any other symptoms like skin changes in the area or nipple discharge.
- Write down any questions you would like to ask your doctor.
How is breast pain treated?
Most breast pain does not need to be treated with medication. Often small lifestyle changes can help breast pain.
Smoking can inflame your breasts and increase breast pain.
Put hot or cold compresses on your breasts to relieve pain.
Have the bra fitted by a professional if possible.
For example, tea, coffee and cola drinks.
This may help your breast pain by changing the fatty acid balance. Cut down on salt and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
Evening primrose and starflower oil have essential fatty acids. Ask your doctor about this and stop taking them if there’s no improvement within 3 months.
Treatments and drugs for breast pain
You may be prescribed an oral contraceptive (the Pill) or the dose might be adjusted if you are already taking one.
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the menopause, the dose may need to be reduced or the drug stopped completely.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol, or anti-inflammatory drugs can help.
If your breast pain is very severe, your doctor may prescribe other medication.
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