Breast Pain

Breast pain is extremely common, and most women experience it at some time in their life. Sometimes women worry that sore breasts may be one of the early symptoms of breast cancer. Sometimes breast pain is so severe it interferes with day-to-day life.

You can have breast pain in one breast or both breasts. It can be aching, stabbing, pulling or hot. It can fluctuate with your menstrual cycle or it can be constant.

If your breast pain is persistent, severe or causing you anxiety, you should see a breast specialist for an assessment and breast examination. Depending on your age and degree of pain, you may also need a mammogram and/or an ultrasound scan.

Sore breasts are seldom one of the early symptoms of breast cancer, but the reassurance of a normal examination and imaging results help to reduce breast pain for most women. Your breast specialist will also plan how to manage your sore breasts and follow-up with you. This may involve changes to your lifestyle and sometimes medication to reduce your breast pain.