While breast pain can occur with breast cancer, it’s often not a symptom. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the risk of breast cancer in patients with breast pain and normal breast exam and mammography results is about 0.5 percent.
IBC can cause pain and typically has no lump, but still only accounts for 1 percent to 5 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Breast pain and the menstrual cycle also have a close relationship, with premenopausal women experiencing breast pain more than postmenopausal women.
If patients are experiencing pain in the left breast, since it’s situated slightly above the heart, it could indicate a potential heart problem. Chest pain related to a heart attack may occur in the middle of the chest beneath the sternum, and it can be mild or burning and sharp.
Gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal conditions may also lead to breast pain.
Breast cancer treatment options
Each breast cancer patient’s care team is led by a medical oncologist and may also include a breast surgeon, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist and a plastic/reconstructive surgeon. Pathologists and oncologists are experienced and trained in tools designed to diagnose, stage and treat the many types of breast cancer, from early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ to complex diseases such as triple-negative breast cancer and IBC. Genetic counseling and genetic testing may also be available for qualifying patients.
A patient-centered care model is designed to help patients remain strong during breast cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary care team may recommend various evidence-informed supportive care services, including:
