Breast pain is sometimes associated with breast cancer, but it’s not a common symptom. Breast lumps and visual changes to the breasts or nipples are more typical signs.
While some people with breast cancer may experience breast pain, it’s not a typical sign or symptom of breast cancer. Treatment for breast cancer and any breast cancer that has spread from the breast may cause pain in other parts of the body.
This article discusses how and when breast cancer causes pain, common symptoms of breast cancer, and other reasons for breast pain.
Does breast cancer cause pain?
Breast pain, also called mastalgia, is not a common Trusted Source symptom of breast cancer.
When breast pain is related to breast cancer:
- it’s confined to one breast or nipple
- it’s in a specific area rather than an all-over pain
- there’s no variation related to the menstrual cycle
Pain when cancer has spread to other areas in the body
Metastatic breast cancer — cancer that has spread to areas beyond the breast — can cause pain, depending on where it spreads.
Examples of this include:
- Bones: Bone metastasis tends to affect the ribs, spine, pelvis, and long bones in the arms and legs. Pain may come on suddenly and feel like exercise strain or arthritis. However, resting doesn’t relieve it and it keeps getting worse. Bones can become fragile and easily fractured.
- Lungs: Pain in the affected lung may be accompanied by shortness of breath and other breathing problems.
- Liver: Liver metastasis can cause pain under the ribs, midsection, or near the right shoulder. Other symptoms include yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and dark urine.
- Brain: Head pain is one sign of brain metastasis. It can also affect vision, speech, and memory.
Pain due to breast cancer treatments
Pain can sometimes be a side effect of breast cancer treatments such as:
What other breast conditions can cause pain?
About two-thirdsTrusted Source of women experience breast pain at some point, usually during their reproductive years. If you have unexplained breast pain, it’s a good idea to see a doctor just in case.
Hormonal changes
Cyclic breast pain is related to hormonal variations in the menstrual cycle. It tends to affect both breasts, causing swelling and tenderness.
Pain increases about 2 weeks before your period and begins to fade once you start. Hormone levels can also vary with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Breastfeeding
According to researchers in 2019Trusted Source, over 90% of women who breastfeed experience pain.
Engorged breasts can feel hard and tight. And it’s not unusual to have sore or cracked nipples while breastfeeding. It may be helpful to speak with a lactation consultant or doctor if this is happening to you.
Mastitis
Mastitis is painful inflammation in the breast. Other symptoms include:
- redness
- skin that’s warm to the touch
- generally feeling unwell
Because mastitis can involve infection, it’s important to seek medical help for treatment.
Abscesses
A breast abscess is a collection of pus due to infection. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, and skin that’s warm to the touch.
Untreated infections can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to reach out to a doctor.
Cysts
Breast cysts are fairly commonTrusted Source, and most are benign. Symptoms can also include lumps or nipple discharge. A doctor can make the diagnosis and determine if you need treatment.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can cause breast pain in males. It’s a condition in which the breasts enlarge, likely due to medications or hormonal changes. Gynecomastia can be treated, but it sometimes resolves on its own.
Injury or surgery
You might have breast pain due to a recent injury or surgery on or near the chest.
Medications
Breast pain can be a side effect of certain medications, such as:
- oral contraceptives
- hormone therapy
- psychotropic agents
- some cardiovascular medicines
Frequently asked questions about breast cancer pain
What percentage of breast cancers are painful?
About 2–7%Trusted Source of people with breast cancer report pain as the primary symptom at the outset.
Is pain associated with a particular type of breast cancer?
Inflammatory breast cancer is rareTrusted Source and presents differently than other types of breast cancer. There’s usually no lump, but it can be painful.
Other symptoms include:
- swelling
- a large area of redness
- dimpled, thickening skin that resembles an orange peel
Is back pain a sign of breast cancer?
Back pain is not typically associated with early-stage breast cancer but could be a symptom of metastatic breast cancer that has reached the bones. Of course, back pain can be due to many other conditions, including arthritis and muscle strain.
What can I do about pain during breast cancer treatment?
First, let your oncology team know that you’re in pain. It may help to keep a pain journal, noting where it occurs and how long it lasts.
Your healthcare team’s pain management strategy may include medications, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.
In metastatic breast cancer, tumors can press on nerves and organs. In these cases, surgery or radiation therapy can remove or shrink tumor to relieve pain.
