Breast pain is a common condition - approximately 80% of women will experience breast pain at some point and this usually improves with time. Importantly, it is rarely caused by anything serious. The following information is intended to reassure you and provide you with sensible advice on how to manage the pain.
Pain can occur in one or both breasts, it can also spread to the armpit or even spread down the arm and to the shoulder blade. The pain can be a dull, continuous ache or it can be a sharp shooting pain. The pain may come and go, or it may last for several weeks or even months and can range from mild to severe. It is not unusual for breast pain to only affect one breast. The different types of breast pain are described below.
Cyclical pain
This type of breast pain happens as part of your monthly menstrual cycle (periods) and is caused by normal changes in hormone levels. Cyclical pain usually affects both breasts, but it can be felt on just one side and can spread to the armpit. It doesn’t tend to affect woman after the menopause although women taking HRT can also have breast pain.
Non-cyclical pain
This pain tends to be more constant and there is no link to monthly hormone changes so can affect women before and after the menopause. The pain can be continuous or can come and go and may even be more of a burning sensation in one or both breasts.
Chest wall pain (musculoskeletal)
For most patients, although the pain feels like it is coming from the breast, it can come from the ribs or muscles of the chest wall underneath the breast. The pain may also be caused by nerve irritation and so can radiate to the back or shoulder area. The pain can be intermittent or constant and can be an ache, shooting pain, tenderness or burning sensation. Chest wall pain is very common. This type of breast pain can last for many months and may spread into the back, shoulder or arm. Pain may be worse after movement or in certain positions. It may be eased by a combination of physiotherapy exercises and regular pain relief medicines.
Some patients may worry about the risk of cancer causing the pain; however, cancer does not present as pain on its own. For peace of mind, women over 50 are invited to attend for a mammogram through the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
Wearing a wearing a well-fitting bra: Many women wear a bra that does not fit correctly. It is important to try different bra styles in the correct size to find the one that best supports your breast shape. Many women find wearing a supportive sports bra can provide comfort, but other women prefer a more traditional bra. Some women find not wearing a bra is more comfortable. It is important that you find what works for you, however you may need to wear your professionally fitted bra for six weeks before you feel a benefit. Please follow the links on our main page for recommended videos about bra fitting, and a list of shops in Sheffield which provide a bra fitting service.
Practicing stress relief: Stress affects hormone levels in the body. This can impact on how pain is experienced and exacerbate symptoms that might otherwise be more easily managed.
Exercise: Physical activity decreases oestrogen but it’s difficult to tell from studies if it really decreases breast pain. Wearing a sports bra during exercise is recommended. Regular exercise has many general health benefits and reduces the risk of breast cancer by helping to maintain a healthy weight. It may also have a benefit in managing stress and helping you feel better.
Pain relief: Research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief, such as Ibuprofen, can help breast pain. This type of pain relief can be applied directly to the affected area as a topical gel (e.g. ibuprofen gel) or it can be taken as a tablet.
Consider an alternative to the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy: For some woman, stopping these medications, or where possible, changing to a lower dose can help to reduce breast pain
Keep a breast pain diary: This can be helpful to try and see if there is a pattern to your symptoms and can help you to identify if you breast pain is linked to your hormonal cycle or any physical activities.
What about other things that I have researched online: Current research shows there is little evidence to prove the effectiveness of
However, a sensible diet that is high in fibre and low in fat can help. Reducing your alcohol intake is also useful.
Breast pain can be very distressing. Even though you may feel reassured that your breast pain is normal and you don’t have breast cancer, the pain often remains. Women affected by breast pain may experience many different emotions, such as fear, frustration or helplessness. Although understanding more about your breast pain won’t cure it, it may help you to get back some control over your life.
Having severe, long-lasting breast pain can sometimes affect a woman’s daily activities which may cause anxiety and, for some, depression. However, this isn’t the case for most women, and their pain can be successfully managed at home.
Specialist breast pain clinic
If you have tried all the ways discussed to manage your breast pain but find you still have concerns, you can have the option to book a face-to-face appointment to see us in clinic. We would ask some questions and examine you, then talk through the options discussed in the leaflets and videos on this web page. Instructions on how to arrange this are on your welcome letter from us.
This option remains open to you for 12 weeks from the date on your welcome letter. After 12 weeks if we have not heard from you, we will send you a discharge letter. After you have been discharged if you have any more symptoms you will need to go back to see your G.P.
Your breast pain may continue but it is important to continue to monitor your breasts and if you notice any of the following changes, please see your G.P who can assess you and refer you to the fast-track breast clinic:
Many women wear a bra that does not fit correctly. It is important to try different bra styles in the correct size to find the one that best supports your breast shape. Many women find wearing a supportive sports bra can provide comfort, but other women prefer a more traditional bra. Some women find no bra is more comfortable. It is important that you find what works for you, however you may need to wear your professionally fitted bra for six weeks before you feel a benefit.
Details are printed with permission of the retailer. Other services may be available but did not consent to be included in this list. If you know of a Bra Fitter that would like to be listed, please ask them to contact Sheffield Breast Centre on 0114 2713814.
