Breast Pain: Causes and When to Worry

Up to 70% of women experience breast pain at some point. It’s understandably worrying, but on its own, breast pain is rarely a sign of breast cancer.

Imagine your breasts aching and feeling heavy the week before every period, and you’re scared it’s something serious. Your healthcare provider examines you, finds nothing concerning and explains it’s cyclical breast pain. A better-fitting bra and tracking your cycle help, and the worry lifts.

Common causes

• Cyclical pain: linked to the menstrual cycle, usually in both breasts, worst before a period
• Hormonal changes: pregnancy, contraception, HRT, perimenopause
• Poorly fitting bra, especially during exercise
• Chest wall pain: muscle strain or costochondritis, which feels like breast pain
• Breastfeeding problems such as mastitis or blocked ducts
• Breast cysts
• Some medicines, including some antidepressants

What helps

• Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra, including a sports bra for exercise
• Try paracetamol, ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory gel
• Track pain against your cycle in a diary or app
• Ask your healthcare provider if your contraception or HRT could be a factor

But when should I see a healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if you notice a new lump or thickening, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple changes or discharge (especially bloody), a rash around the nipple, or a lump in your armpit. Also get checked for pain in one specific spot that doesn’t go away, or breast redness and heat with fever. Men can also get breast conditions and should get any lump checked.

Sources: NHS (Breast pain), Breast Cancer Now, American Cancer Society, World Health Organization (Breast cancer).