Is Your Breast Pain a Cause for Concern?

Few things can make your mind race faster than pain in your breast.

The good news? Breast pain is very common — and breast cancer or other serious concerns rarely cause it.

Still, breast pain sometimes deserves a closer look.

Breast health specialist Lakshmi Khatri, MD, explains what may be causing your pain and when it’s time to call a healthcare provider.

Could your breast pain be breast cancer?

Let’s get the scary stuff out of the way: Breast pain usually isn’t related to breast cancer.

“Breast pain is very, very common,” Dr. Khatri says. “It’s actually very rare for breast cancer to present as pain.” (You can go ahead and exhale now.)

Most often, breast pain is related to less concerning causes, like:

• Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and perimenopause. These changes can make your breasts feel sore, swollen or tender.
• Caffeine: For some women, caffeine may contribute to breast tenderness (though experts aren’t sure why).
• An ill-fitting bra: A bra that doesn’t provide enough support — especially when you exercise — can strain the ligaments and tissue in your breasts, leading to pain or tenderness.

When should you worry about breast pain?

While most breast pain is caused by something harmless, the following situations deserve more attention.

Pain in a specific spot that doesn’t go away

Breast pain often ebbs and flows. But breast pain that sticks around is worth getting checked.

“If you have long-lasting pain in one area of one breast, that’s something we’d want to evaluate with imaging,” Dr. Khatri says.

Even then, don’t assume the worst. A small number of women with persistent pain in one area of their breast are ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer — but most have another, noncancerous explanation for their symptoms.

Breast pain after menopause

Hormonal changes throughout your menstrual cycle can cause breast pain. But that cyclical pain typically becomes less common after you enter menopause.

“Breast pain after menopause isn’t automatically a major concern,” Dr. Khatri reassures. “But if you develop persistent breast pain after menopause — especially if it’s in one area or comes with other changes to your breasts — it’s worth scheduling an evaluation.”

Painful breast lumps

Breast pain that comes with a new lump should always be checked.

Most lumps turn out to be harmless cysts, especially if you haven’t reached menopause. Others may be fibroadenomas or other benign breast changes. “The important thing is to know what your own breast tissue normally feels like,” Dr. Khatri emphasizes. “If you notice a new lump or something else that’s obviously different, don’t hesitate to get it checked out.”

Skin or nipple changes

Breast pain that’s accompanied by changes in how your breasts look deserves medical attention.

Talk with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Skin that looks dimpled like the peel of an orange
• A new rash or redness on your breast
• Peeling or crusting around your nipple
• Clear or bloody nipple discharge in one breast that happens without squeezing

Conditions other than breast cancer often cause these symptoms.

“Eczema commonly affects the nipple and surrounding skin,” Dr. Khatri notes. “But because more serious conditions can look similar, it’s important to seek care for any new changes.”

Signs of an infection

Breast pain can also signal an infection like mastitis, particularly if you’re breastfeeding. Call a healthcare provider if your breast pain comes with signs of an infection, like:

• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling

Prompt treatment can help keep a breast infection from becoming more serious.

Pain after an injury

It’s normal for your breasts to feel sore after a fall, sports injury or other trauma.

But don’t ignore pain that lasts more than a few days or comes with a new lump or other breast changes. Your healthcare provider can determine whether additional testing is needed.

When it’s time to see a provider

Schedule an appointment if you have any breast change that feels new or unusual for you. A healthcare provider will examine your breast and decide whether imaging, such as a mammogram or breast ultrasound, is appropriate. Getting new or unusual symptoms checked is the best way to get answers — and peace of mind.

“If something doesn’t feel normal for you, don’t hesitate to come in,” Dr. Khatri encourages. “We’d much rather evaluate something that turns out to be nothing serious than miss something important.”