Is Breast Pain a Sign of Cancer? Signs to Watch
Many women feel pain develop the week before their periods. Your journal can help you and your doctor determine if there is a pattern to your pain.
Natural remedies might alleviate cyclical breast pain. Evening primrose oil was found to help as many as 44 percent of women with cyclical breast pain, reports eMedicineHealth. It may take up to four months for evening primrose oil to show any benefits.
Breast Cancer Symptoms to Watch For
Early-stage breast cancer may be symptomless. Any abnormal breast changes require a doctor's exam to rule out cancer.
Red flags that may accompany pain include these symptoms:
- swelling;
- darkening of the breast;
- a new lump in the breast or under the arm;
- abnormal skin irritation;
- dimpling:
- skin that resembles an orange peel;
- nipple pain;
- an inward turning of the nipple;
- change in the size or shape of the breast;
- redness and tenderness;
- difference in the thickness or texture of the breast or nipple; and
- nipple discharge.
M. Ruby Alvi, MD, CCFP, MHSc tells eMedicineHealth: "Although pain is a concern, breast pain is rarely the only symptom of breast cancer. Most breast cancers involve a mass or lump."