Breast pain - What are the symptoms?

It is normal for your breasts to feel tender at certain times, such as just before your period, in early pregnancy and during breastfeeding. But if you have breast pain, your breasts are painful rather than just tender and the pain is bad enough to interfere with your life.

If you get cyclical breast pain you may get these symptoms:[1]

The pain may start in the two weeks before your period
The pain can be dull, heavy or aching
The pain gets gradually worse until your period starts and then either gets better or goes away completely
The pain may occur in the upper and outer part of your breast, the upper arm and armpit.

The pain may occur both breasts, but it may be worse in one.

If you get non-cyclical breast pain you may get these symptoms:

The pain comes and goes or is there all the time
The pain is sharp and burning
The pain may occur just in the breasts.

The pain may occur in just one breast

Breast pain on its own is not a common symptom of cancer. (Breast pain that does sometimes come with cancer is usually on just one side, and it is constant and intense.)[2]

If your pain is bad enough to interfere with your life, it's a good idea to see your doctor. They should be able to reassure you that there's nothing seriously wrong and give you advice about treatments that may help.

But you should see your doctor urgently if you have:[3]

Discharge from your nipples
A possible breast infection (you may have redness, pus or fever)
Noticed a new lump in one of your breasts.

Pain that does not go away.

References

Smith RL, Pruthi S, Fitzpatrick LA. Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004; 79: 353-372.
Conry C. Evaluation of a breast complaint: is it cancer? American Family Physician. 1994; 49: 445-450.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus: Breast pain. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003152.htm (accessed on 3 June 2007).

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.