by Dr Azmy Birdi FRCOG  Menopause Specialist and Menopause Special Skills Trainer

Breast pain is experienced by many women at some point in their lives. It can cause anxiety and some people may be concerned that they have breast cancer.

According to the NICE NG12 guidelines, in the absence of associated red flag symptoms, i.e. lump or skin changes, breast pain alone is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer and should not be referred on an urgent suspected cancer pathway.

The cancer alliance has worked with clinicians and breast cancer charities, Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!, to provide guidance and resources about breast pain and to support decision making.

The breast pain toolkit includes:                                        

Red flag signs and symptoms              

Top tips for managing breast pain