Breast pain

A note on wording:

Breast cancer can affect anybody, and everybody is welcome in CoppaFeel!’s community. 

We use the word chest to include all bodies and genders, and breast when we need to be clinically accurate. When we use these words we mean the area from your ribs up to your collarbone and armpits, including your nipples. 

We’re actively inclusive in our language and we ask people how they want to be described. You might prefer to call your chest something else, and that’s ok!

Our fab Young Collaborators Hope, Martha and Keisha went to Derby to learn more about breast pain from the East Midlands Breast Pain Clinic team.

Breast pain – what is it?

When she was younger, CoppaFeel! Young Collaborator Keisha found a lump in her breast and she had breast pain. Her GP referred her to a breast cancer clinic. The tests showed no signs of breast cancer and the lump was not breast cancer. 

She did the right thing, and got checked out. If you notice any unusual changes to your chest, speak to your GP. Remember to check your chest every month.  

In this video, Keisha asks Advanced Nurse Practitioner Veronica about breast pain specifically so we can all understand breast pain better.

Time stamps:

• 0:48 – How common is breast pain?
• 1:08 – Symptoms of breast pain
• 1:19 – Types of breast pain
• 2:20 – Is some types of breast pain normal?
• 3:58 – Characteristics of new and unusual breast pain
• 5:21 – Reassurance for those worried about cancer
• 6:33 – Breast pain pathways
• 7:29 – How persistent does breast pain have to be for it to be considered problematic?

Here are some words used in the video:

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) are experienced and highly educated Registered Nurses who manage the complete clinical care of their patients.

Veronica talks about women in this video. This NHS service invites women only. 

Fluctuates and fluctuations

Another word for fluctuate is change. 

Intermittent

Not happening regularly or continuously. Stopping and starting repeatedly or with periods in between.

Persistent

Lasting for a long time. 

Analgesia

Drugs that stop you from feeling pain

Indicative of cancer

Sign of cancer

Cancer diagnostic clinic

This is a clinic which tests people to see if they have cancer. 

Breast pain clinic referral

In this video, CoppaFeel! Young Collaborator Hope talks to Advanced Nurse Practitioner Lisa and Breast Pain Clinic Coordinator Denise. 

Lisa and Denise talk about what happens in the Derbyshire and South Staffordshire clinics.

Other breast pain clinics across the country may be slightly different. All of the clinics have the same aim, to give advice and support to women with breast pain. 

Time stamps:

• 0:31 – What is a breast pain clinic?
• 1:29 – Why is it important to have these clinics?
• 2:48 – What is in place to make patients feel safe and comfortable?
• 4:10 – How long does the referral process take?
• 4:41 – What are the outcomes after being seen?
• 5:36 – What is the difference between a breast pain clinic and a breast cancer clinic?
• 6:06 – What should someone do if they’re experiencing breast pain with no clinic nearby?

Wording explained:

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) are experienced and highly educated Registered Nurses who manage the complete clinical care of their patients.

Implants in situ

If someone has breast implants they will not be able to go to this clinic but should talk to their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their chest. 

Secondary care unit

Also known as hospital and community care. The care is given by healthcare professionals who may not have first contact with the patient. 

Imaging

Imaging for the breast uses X-ray and ultrasound. In the breast pain clinic, they do not offer X-ray and ultrasound. 

Breast pain fact checking

In this video, our Young Collaborators are fact checking with the East Midlands Breast Pain Clinic team.

Time stamps:

• 0:16 – Question 1: How do hormones impact your chest and breasts?
• 0:46 – Question 2: Can chest binding cause pain?
• 1:04 – Question 3: What’s the importance of having a properly fitted bra?
• 1:29 – Question 4:  What would one piece of advice be to someone with breast pain?
• 2:00 – Question 5: What’s the difference between aching muscles and breast pain?
• 2:50 – Question 6: Can having things in your bra cause breast pain?
• 3:19 – Question 7: How many of the people visiting have a higher family history risk of breast cancer?
• 3:44 – Question 8: How can someone prepare for an appointment to ensure they feel heard and validated?

Wording explained:

Chest binding should not be painful. There is a risk of skin sores, so it is important to bind safely and comfortably. Our friends at Brook (linked) have more information on chest binding.

Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it. 

Pain persists

Pain does not go away.

Distort the shape

Change the shape

Perceived feeling of an increased family history

The person might think they have a high risk of breast cancer if there is breast cancer in their family. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make these videos!

CoppaFeel! Young Collaborators: Hope, Martha and Keisha

East Midlands Breast Pain Clinic Team: Denise Stafford, Lisa Rose, Thilan Batholomeuz and Veronica Rogers  

Videographer: Jasper Maberly

Camera Assistant: Oli

Check out the East Midlands Breast Pain Pathway website here