Breast pain

DGRefHelp - NHS Dumfries & Galloway
NHS Dumfries and Galloway

Breast pain is common and rarely associated with breast cancer.

Two main patterns are seen:

  1. Cyclical, with fullness and discomfort leading up to period
  2. Non-cyclical nagging constant pain, often radiating to axilla

Non-cyclical usually arises from the chest wall and palpation of the chest wall behind the breast in the sitting position or with the patient on their side, will elicit tenderness while compression of the breast tissue alone is not particularly uncomfortable.

Lifestyle issues for cyclical pain—supportive bra, low fat diet and reduced caffeine.

For non-cyclical pain—supportive bra, attention to provoking activity using the arm on the affected side and other musculoskeletal issues, eg neck pain.

Breast pain patient information leaflet

Cyclical pain

  • Reassure and advise on lifestyle issues
  • Consider evening primrose oil or NSAIDs

If no benefit after 3 months

  • Consider referral or Tamoxifen 10mg daily on days 15-25 of cycle

If still no benefit after 3 months consider referral.

Non-cyclical pain

Reassure and advise on lifestyle measures

  • consider simple analgesia or NSAID gel

If no benefit after 3 months consider referral.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/08/2022

Next review date: 30/08/2024

Reviewer name(s): Maria Bews-Hair.