Can breast cancer cause my persistent breast pain at 46?

Question

Hello, Doctor,

I am a 46 yearold woman experiencing mild pain on the left side of my left breast for almost one month. Today, I also felt a sharp pain in the same breast that lasted for a few seconds. The pain is not severe, but it has been persistent enough to concern me. I have not noticed any obvious injury or trauma to the area. Please tell me, what is it?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I completely understand your fear of cancer and the anxiety you are feeling, and I understand it very well. Before anything else, I do not know whether there is a family history of cancer or not, because that could be one of the reasons behind your fear and concern.

However, let me reassure you that the symptom you are describing is pain, and pain is not a typical symptom of cancer. The most important sign of breast cancer is usually are

Mass or lump.
This lump is often painless.
There may also be a mass in the underarm as well.

You should learn how to perform a breast self-examination and do it every month, three to four days after your period ends, to make sure there are no lumps in the breast.

As for the pain you are experiencing, it may be caused by inflammation of the nerves supplying the breast, which can happen after cold exposure, excessive moisture, or something similar. There is no direct relationship between this type of pain and cancer.

Regarding cancer, the main warning signs are a lump and nipple discharge, especially if there is bloody nipple discharge, as this is something that requires attention and further evaluation.

Other than that, there is nothing you mentioned that strongly suggests cancer. However, if you want more confirmation, you can go for a bilateral breast and axilla ultrasound.

I hope my answer is clear and helps ease your fears. I also hope you do not continue to worry or stress about cancer.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.