Understanding Breast Pain

Our stance on breast pain
Cyclical breast pain
Non-cyclical pain
Understanding breast pain
When to see your GP

Our stance on breast pain

Why we talk about breast pain

You may have seen we’ve been talking about breast pain quite a lot over the past year. That’s because there have been some changes to the way breast pain is being talked about in the healthcare world such as the NHS, and by other cancer charities.

The NHS currently says that breast pain alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer. Other organisations may say that on its own, it’s very rarely a sign of breast cancer.

We talked to our community of volunteers and healthcare professional supporters. The way we talk about breast pain now takes into account their views and experiences.

There is not much research yet on breast pain as a cancer sign in people under the age of 40. As the only breast cancer charity solely for young people, we want to make sure we talk about this in the right way for you.

So CoppaFeel! is going to carry on talking about breast pain as a sign of breast cancer to be aware of.

If you notice any unusual changes to your chest, please make an appointment with your GP.

Being breast or chest aware and knowing your body could save your life.

Big love from all the team at Boob HQ x

A note on terms:

Breast cancer can affect anybody, and everybody is welcome in CoppaFeel!’s community. We’re actively inclusive in our language and we ask people how they want to be described.

The word ‘chest’ is inclusive of all bodies and genders. When we need to be clinically accurate we use the word ‘breast’. You might prefer to call your chest something else, and that’s ok!

Breast pain (mastalgia) is very common. There are lots of reasons why you might have breast pain. On its own it is very rarely a sign of breast cancer.

There are two types of breast pain:

Cyclical
Non-cyclical

Cyclical breast pain

Cyclical breast pain is pain that is part of your menstrual cycle. It is very common and perfectly natural. You do not have to put up with it if it is very painful. This type of breast pain affects people who have periods (menstruate). It happens because of the hormones that control periods (your menstrual cycle). Cyclical pain usually happens around the time of your period, commonly starting around 3-7 days before your period starts. It can last up to 2 weeks.

Here are some ways to relieve cyclical breast pain:

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Take 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Drinking fewer drinks with caffeine may help to reduce breast pain.
Ask your GP about trying the health supplement evening primrose oil.
If you wear a bra, make sure it fits you well.

Non-cyclical breast pain

Non-cyclical breast pain is not part of the menstrual cycyle. It is most common in women over 40. It can be caused by too much caffeine, poor posture or injury to your breast tissue. Sometimes, pain in this area might not be in your breast tissue at all, but instead in your chest wall, pectoral muscles or ribs. Talk to your GP if you are worried.

Here are some ways to relieve non-cyclical breast pain:

If you wear a bra, make sure it fits you well.
Ask your GP about trying the health supplement evening primrose oil – although this is less effective than with cyclical breast pain.
Take 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Drink fewer drinks with caffeine in.

If the pain is in one area of the chest wall, an anti-inflammatory cream might help. Ask your GP first.

When to see your GP

Book an appointment with your GP if

The pain is not improving or painkillers are not helping.
You have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery.
Any part of your chest is red, hot or swollen or you have any other breast cancer signs.
Your breast pain is in one specific spot only.
There’s a history of breast cancer in your family.