Yes, it's common for breasts to feel tender or painful when squeezed, often due to normal hormonal shifts, but persistent or severe pain, a new lump, skin changes, or discharge warrants a doctor's visit as it could signal benign issues like cysts or infection, or rarely, something more serious like inflammation. While often harmless, any new or concerning breast pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if it doesn't resolve, occurs in one spot, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Most times, breast pain signals a noncancerous (benign) breast condition and rarely indicates breast cancer. Unexplained breast pain that doesn't go away after one or two menstrual cycles, or that persists after menopause, or breast pain that doesn't seem to be related to hormone changes needs to be evaluated.
Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture. Some women have lumpier breasts than others. In most cases, this lumpiness is no cause to worry. If the lumpiness can be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, then it's probably normal breast tissue.
See your doctor if the pain doesn't improve or you notice any of these signs: Severe swelling. A lump in the breast. Redness and warmth, which could indicate an infection.
Yes. Breast pain can affect one breast or both breasts. Hormonal changes tend to affect both breasts, but that's not set in stone. Similarly, an infection or underlying disease can affect one breast only.
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
Symptoms
The "three-finger test" for breasts refers to the technique used in a breast self-exam (BSE) where you use the pads of your three middle fingers (index, middle, ring) to feel for lumps or changes, applying light, medium, and firm pressure to cover all breast tissue and the armpit, moving in circular or vertical patterns to detect new lumps or thickening. This method, often done while lying down or showering, helps you become familiar with your normal breast texture, but it's a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular clinical exams and mammograms for early detection.
Small breasts are usually due to genetics, hormones, and body fat, but can also be affected by weight loss, age (menopause), or pregnancy, with factors like clothing fit influencing appearance; if you have sudden changes or concerns, a doctor can rule out conditions like micromastia or hypothyroidism.
What does a breast lump feel like? A breast lump may feel as hard as a rock or squishy like a grape or pea. Breast lumps can occur in your breast tissue or close to your armpit area. The lump might feel hard or different from the rest of your breast tissue.
Breast pain can be due to many possible causes. Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.
Nipple colour can vary all the way from light pink to dark brown, while the texture can be smooth or slightly bumpy. This may also change day to day depending on your hormones and other factors. The areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) can also vary in size, colour, and texture.
One of the most prevalent myths circulating about breast cancer is the notion that pressing breasts or physical trauma to the breast can lead to breast cancer. This misconception causes unnecessary fear and anxiety among many women. Comprehensive medical research, however, does not support this claim.
Cyclic mastalgia: a hormonal connection
The most common type of breast pain is linked to the menstrual cycle, known as cyclic breast pain, and is nearly always based on hormonal fluctuations. Some people begin to have cyclic pain around the time of ovulation, continuing until the start of their menstrual period.
Chest wall pain is more typically sharp or burning, more focal, and can often be experienced by “pushing on the area.” Pain in the breast tissue can be constant or intermittent without pressure on the area.
Your left thumb should be in front of your breast. Gently pinch your breasts between your thumb and middle fingers. If that point is above the nipple, you pass and may not require a breast lift procedure. If you pinch your breast below the nipple, you fail and may require a breast lift.
Lumps can range in size — from the size of a pea to larger than a golf ball — and may or may not be movable," says Dr. Joshi. "On the other hand, normal breast tissue will feel like consistent fibrous mesh throughout your breast."
Common breast changes and conditions can include: Fibrocystic breast changes can include lumpiness, thickening, and swelling, often just before your period. Your breasts may feel painful, swollen, or tender. Cysts are fluid-filled lumps that may be tender.
Breast self-exam
If you have damaged breast tissue, it can feel as if there's a lump in your breast, or you may experience swelling. Touching the tissue may feel sore or even painful.
You should worry about breast pain if it's accompanied by a new lump, skin changes (dimpling, redness, rash), nipple changes (inversion, discharge, scaling), swelling, or pain that's severe, persistent (not linked to your cycle), or interferes with daily activities, as these can signal issues like infection, inflammation, or, rarely, cancer, warranting an immediate doctor visit.
Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
See a GP about breast pain if:
it's not improving or painkillers are not helping. there's a history of breast cancer in your family. you have any signs of pregnancy – you could do a pregnancy test first.