When breast pain needs attention

Key takeaways

• Most breast pain is benign and often follows the menstrual cycle; on its own it rarely indicates cancer.

• See your GP promptly for any new or persistent breast lump, especially if it’s growing, hard, or feels fixed.

• Get urgent assessment for redness, warmth, swelling, fever or other skin changes that might signal infection or inflammation.

• Have unexplained, bloody, or one‑sided nipple discharge checked, and seek review for persistent focal pain after trauma.

• Contact your GP sooner if pain is severe, getting worse over weeks, or occurs with systemic symptoms such as weight loss or night sweats.

What is breast pain and how common is it?

Breast pain (mastalgia) is very common — many sources estimate around 70% of women experience it at some point. Most of the time it’s not a sign of breast cancer when there are no other worrying features. Pain can be diffuse, causing general tenderness, or it can be localised to a single spot. Clinically, mastalgia is split into cyclical pain — linked to hormones and the menstrual cycle, often easing after your period and most common in people aged about 20–40 — and non‑cyclical pain, which occurs independently of cycles and has many possible causes. Most cases settle with simple measures, but persistent, worsening or focal symptoms should be reviewed so other conditions can be ruled out and you can get the right care.

Red flags that need prompt medical attention

When should breast pain trigger urgent review? See a clinician quickly if the pain is new, focused, or comes with other concerning signs. Key red flags include:

• A new breast lump or visible mass that doesn’t go away, particularly if it’s growing.

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks or pain that is getting worse and stays in one area.

• Redness or warmth, swelling, fever, or skin changes that suggest infection or inflammation.

• Nipple discharge that is unexplained, bloody, or only from one side, and any pain after trauma (including chest or rib injury) that does not improve within days.

Contact your GP or helpline (0808 800 6000) for timely assessment and practical advice.

Common non‑cancer causes of breast pain

So why is breast pain usually not cancer? Most often it’s cyclical pain from hormonal shifts around the menstrual cycle, or non‑cyclical pain from local issues. Cyclical pain typically affects people in their 20s–40s and often eases after menstruation; it may be linked with breast cysts or general tenderness. Non‑cyclical pain is more common in the 40s–50s, tends to be more localised, and can follow injury or structural problems. Other contributors include medication side effects, stress or anxiety, changes in caffeine intake, and poorly fitting bras that strain breast tissue. These causes are generally benign, but new, changing or persistent pain should be checked by a clinician for reassurance and treatment if needed.

How to track and describe your symptoms for your GP

Most breast pain is harmless, but clear details help your GP assess you faster. Keep a brief symptom diary noting where the pain is, when it happens, whether it follows your cycle, intensity on a 0–10 scale, how long episodes last, and whether touch or movement makes it worse. Record any lump, nipple discharge, redness, warmth, fever or skin changes. Track possible triggers such as recent trauma, new medicines, changes in caffeine, stress, or bra fit. Be prepared to say if one breast or both are affected, how pain responds to painkillers, and whether the pattern has changed — this helps your GP decide the next steps quickly.

Note key details — location, timing, 0–10 pain score, cyclical pattern, associated signs and triggers — to help your GP assess.

• Date and time entries

• Pain quality and score

• Associated signs

• Possible triggers

Practical ways to relieve breast tenderness

How can you ease breast tenderness day to day? Several simple measures can help with cyclical and other types of breast pain. Wear a well‑fitting, supportive bra during the day and a soft bra or no bra at night if that’s more comfortable; use a properly fitted sports bra for exercise to reduce chest wall strain. Warmth — a warm shower, heat pack or bath — can soothe diffuse discomfort. Over‑the‑counter NSAIDs or paracetamol may ease pain; follow product instructions and check with a clinician if you have other symptoms or health conditions. Cutting back on caffeine helps some people, although evidence varies. Rest, gentle activity changes and avoiding overexertion support recovery. If pain is new, persistent, focal, or comes with a lump or discharge, arrange a GP review promptly.