Does Breast Cancer Hurt? Exploring Breast Pain Types and Causes

“If it hurts, get it checked,” is a popular phrase in the medical world concerning pain anywhere in the body, including the breast.

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast pain is defined as pain or discomfort in one or both breasts. The pain can be mild or severe and affect one area of the breast or the whole breast, including under the arm. It may also come from nearby muscles or joints outside the breast.

“The good news, however, is that most of the time, pain in the breast or nipple is not caused by a breast cancer,” said Dr. Holly Mason, Chief of Breast Surgery, Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists.

What Causes Breast Pain?

Dr. Mason noted there are many reasons why people may experience breast pain that are not related to cancer, the most likely cause being hormonal fluctuations from your menstrual cycle. Others include:

• Caffeine use
• Smoking
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Breast cyst
• Breastfeeding
• Breast injury
• Breast infection
• Abscess
• A poorly-fitting bra
• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Mastitis
• Medication side effects
• Puberty
• Previous breast surgery
• Breast implants
• Chest wall/muscular pain

Dr. Mason notes that breast pain can occur in all forms, such as dull, achy, sharp or shooting-type sensations.

How to Relieve Breast Pain

If you notice breast pain, the first step is to consider what you can do to improve it:

• Make sure that your bra fits well
• Avoid caffeine
• If you smoke tobacco products, try to quit or at least reduce use
• Try ibuprofen or similar related over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation

When to See a Doctor for Breast Pain

If you notice persistent breast pain that does not improve with the above-mentioned efforts or worsens despite these efforts, you should seek medical attention.

While breast pain is not typically caused by breast cancer, Dr. Mason notes some warning signs of breast cancer are:

• New lump in breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast

According to a 2020 review of breast pain studies, it’s estimated that 70% of women experience breast pain at some point their lives. Between 75 and 88% of women who get mammograms or ultrasounds for breast pain end up with normal results, according to the Society of Breast Imaging. A noncancerous or benign cause is diagnosed in about 10% of these cases, only about 1 and 2% will require additional testing or intervention.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention is Key

In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Take charge of your breast health by getting regular mammograms as advised by your physician, which can detect cancer risk in its earliest stages when it is most curable. Also, make sure that you practice ‘self-breast awareness’ so that if a change occurs, you will notice it. Learn how to do a breast self-exam and put reminders on your calendar to complete it monthly.

“Be sure to contact your physician for any changes detected in your breasts,” said Dr. Mason.

Baystate Regional Cancer Program breast specialists offer the latest in prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer, ensuring you receive high quality and compassionate care.