Breast pain is common and often caused by hormone changes around a period, pregnancy, menopause, medications, or muscle/rib irritation rather than something serious. It usually is not a common sign of cancer, but certain symptoms need prompt medical attention.

Common causes

  • Period-related hormone shifts, especially pain that comes and goes with your cycle.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, including engorgement or mastitis.
  • Medicines such as birth control, some antidepressants, and hormone therapy.
  • Cysts, fibrocystic breast changes, or pain coming from the chest wall, ribs, or shoulders.
  • Infection or inflammation, which can cause redness, warmth, swelling, or fever.

What you can do

  • Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra.
  • Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you can take them safely.
  • Use warm or cool compresses.
  • Track whether the pain follows your menstrual cycle.

Get urgent help now

  • A hard lump that does not move, nipple discharge, new breast shape change, or skin dimpling.
  • Red, hot, swollen breast, fever, or shivery feeling.
  • Rash on or around the nipple, nipple pulling inward, or bloody discharge.

When to book a visit

  • The pain is persistent, unexplained, or getting worse.
  • It lasts more than a couple of weeks or interferes with daily life.
  • You may be pregnant, or there is a strong family history of breast cancer.

In short, breast pain is often hormonal or muscular, but new, severe, or one- sided pain with a lump, skin change, discharge, redness, or fever should be checked promptly.