Pain is normally your body's way of signaling that there's something amiss. So when you feel pain in your breast, you may panic and assume the worst -- breast cancer. Could breast pain be a sign of cancer? It's possible. But the good news is that pain doesn't usually signal early-stage cancer. Read on to learn what breast pain may mean and when it's time to see a doctor. 

According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Being proactive with health and addressing any new symptoms that arise is one of the best ways to lower the risk of breast cancer fatalities. 

Pain, one of the most common symptoms women experience in the breast area, could be caused by several conditions, many of which are benign. But because pain can be a symptom of breast cancer, it's a good idea to schedule a checkup with your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. 

Possible Causes of Breast Pain 

Intermittent breast pain and discomfort can be a regular part of a woman's menstrual cycle and is usually nothing to worry about. Sudden pain may be a sign of mastitis, another painful but benign and treatable condition most commonly related to breastfeeding. Cracked nipples can allow bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter the breast and cause an infection. Mastitis usually requires a prescription for antibiotics, so if you experience pain and are nursing, see a doctor. 

It's possible for breast pain to be attributed to some fairly scary-sounding conditions that usually are benign. But if you suspect any of the following or feel any lumps during a breast self-exam, it is important to see a doctor to confirm diagnosis and treatment, if needed. Some conditions may increase women's risk for breast cancer. In that case, it's important to be vigilant about your breast health. Other non-cancerous breast conditions that may cause pain include: 

• Hyperplasia – An overgrowth of cells in breast ducts that usually can be seen with a mammogram. More advanced cases may increase breast cancer risk.
• Cysts – Lumpy, fluid-filled sacs that most often aren't cancer. They are less firm than tumors but should be checked out. Cysts usually require no treatment unless they are large or painful.
  
• Fibroadenomas – Commonly occurring in younger women, fibroadenomas are hard, defined lumps that are noncancerous.
• Intraductal papillomas – These benign tumors grow in the ducts near the nipple and may present with a bloody discharge. Multiple papillomas in other locations may be linked to increased risk of breast cancer.
• Sclerosing adenosis – This condition may create lumps that are large enough to be felt, but only mammograms and biopsies can rule out cancer. Women who develop this condition are one to two times more likely to develop cancer.
• Radial scars – Breast pain may be the only indication of this condition, which, if large enough, can be seen on a mammogram. A biopsy may be necessary, and some women even opt for lumpectomies to remove the radial scar. Radial scars increase breast cancer risk twofold. 

Is your breast pain period-related? 

Breast pain is more common in younger women who still menstruate than in older women. Tenderness, enlargement and tingling are all signs of breast pain related to the menstrual cycle. 

To help determine whether or not symptoms are related to your period, it may be a good idea to keep a journal. Note the dates and any foods that contribute to or alleviate your pain. For instance, many women find that reducing or eliminating their caffeine intake reduces breast pain. Warm compresses and over-the-counter medication also can help treat period-related breast pain. 

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." 

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations 

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all women age 40 and older who are in good health should have an annual mammogram. 

In addition to mammograms, women should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of their regular yearly checkup. The ACS recommends that women in 20s and 30s obtain a CBE at least every three years. When women reach their 40s, CBEs should be done annually. 

Women should perform breast self-exams (BSEs) at home on a regular basis to better detect breast abnormalities. Women who perform BSEs have better chances of finding lumps and receiving early diagnoses, the ACS reports. 

Mammograms, CBEs and BSEs each have limitations. When women are at high risk for developing breast cancer, the ACS recommends annual MRIs. Who is considered high risk? 

If any of the following are true, speak to your doctor about including MRIs as part of your yearly examination: 

• Lifetime Risk – Your breast cancer risk is considered high if assessment tools, family history indicators, and your physician have determined that your risk of developing breast cancer is 20 percent or greater.
• Genetic Issues – You're at a greater risk if you have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
• Family Genes – When a close relative – grandmother, mother or sister -- has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you may be at a higher risk of contracting breast cancer.
• Radiation History – Having radiation therapy in the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30 increases your risk for breast cancer.
• Health Conditions – Certain genetic diseases may predispose you to breast cancer, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. If you or one of your immediate relatives have these conditions, let your doctor know. 
  

Breast Pain Treatment 

If cyclical pain is persistent and bothersome, then your doctor may suggest other pain treatments. 

Medicines that block hormones can help ease pain in many instances. They include: 

• danazol;
• bromocriptine;
• tamoxifen; and
• goserelin injections. 

Your health is in your hands, and you are your own best advocate. Speak to your doctor about symptoms and concerns, schedule and attend annual exams, and find solutions that are comfortable for you.