If you experience breast pain, you may wonder whether breast cancer could be the cause. It’s possible, but unlikely. Fortunately, most cases of breast pain aren’t related to breast cancer; breast cancer can cause breast pain, but so can a variety of other conditions.
What are the Initial Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Every person’s experience with breast cancer is different. Some people don’t have any symptoms. For everyone else, symptoms vary.
Early signs of breast cancer include lumps, which are usually painless, and thickening of the breast tissue or skin, especially in one area. The breast may look or feel fuller, perhaps leading to an asymmetrical appearance. Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, puckering or redness may occur. Some women may also experience changes to the nipple, including inversion, discharge or a change in direction.
Many of those symptoms can occur with other conditions and are not always indicative of cancer. Lumps, for example, are characteristic of fibrocystic breasts. This is when the breast tissue thickens or develops cysts. Many women experience fibrocystic breasts around their period, possibly because of hormone changes during menstruation. More than half of women develop fibrocystic breasts at some point, but this doesn’t increase breast cancer risk, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Is Breast Pain a Sign of Breast Cancer?
It can be, but the odds are against it. When breast pain is caused by cancer, the disease is typically in an advanced stage or is a rare type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.
Breast cancer-related breast pain may be continuous, or it may come and go, but it is not usually related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Pain may be present in one breast or both breasts. The pain may be specific to one area or affect the entire breast, but will generally be related to the side that has cancer present.
Breast cancer-related pain or discomfort may take a variety of forms, including:
- A burning sensation
- A prickling sensation
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Tightness or pressure
If you experience breast pain or any abnormal breast symptom, don’t ignore it—seek prompt evaluation by a medical professional. Start by seeing your primary care provider, who may refer you to a breast health specialist. This specialist can help you understand your risk for breast cancer, including whether you might benefit from a comprehensive risk evaluation. They can help determine whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are due to breast cancer or another condition. Diagnostic imaging may be necessary to reach a conclusion.
Noncancerous Causes of Breast Pain
If you’re experiencing breast pain or tenderness, it is much more likely to be the result of a noncancerous condition or a natural biological process, like menstruation or pregnancy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, menstruation-related hormone changes are the most common cause of breast pain.
Breast pain has all sorts of benign causes, including:
- Breastfeeding
- Breast infection
- Certain medications
- Injury to the breast
- Menopause
- Breast surgery
- Swelling from the accumulation of breast milk after giving birth
Treating Noncancerous Breast Pain
The first step in treating breast pain is finding out what is causing it—that is where your primary care provider and/or a breast health specialist can help. Breast pain often goes away on its own, but your physician may recommend one or more treatments to reduce discomfort. Options may include:
- Applying heat or ice to the breast. This may help reduce pain and swelling.
- Taking an over-the-counter, pain-relieving medication. These include ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Taking birth control pills or prescription medication. Your physician can tell you whether one of these options would be appropriate.
- Wearing a different type of bra. A full-coverage, well-fitting bra without underwire, such as a sports bra, may offer more support and comfort.
- Speak with your physician if breast pain continues after trying several treatments.
Medically reviewed by Charity Dugan, DO, FACOS.
