Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK.
So it makes sense that pain in your chest area can feel quite alarming, as many people fear they have developed a cell mutation disease. However, one doctor claims that this is often not the case, as chest pain and cancer symptoms are sometimes completely different.
Dr Sooj – an NHS GP and A&E doctor – took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the @doctorsooj account. “Many women have breast pain, but is it really a sign of cancer?” he asked.
“Breast pain is very common and breast cancer is also very common, so many women can experience these two things together, although there is no direct connection. There have also been studies that show that breast pain alone does not increase the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Although breast cancer is unfortunately quite common among women, anyone can develop the disease. Its severity largely depends on how big it is and whether it has spread, as well as its symptoms.
Usually, women with breast cancer notice a lump or swelling in the breast, breast, or armpit, and maybe even a change in the texture of the skin around the breast.
Pain in the chest or armpit that does not go away can also be a symptom. However, if it comes and goes, this is usually not related to illness.
For example, armpit pain can sometimes be caused by a swollen gland, often accompanied by a high fever, cough and sore throat. So you should pay attention to any other unusual symptoms in your body.
Dr. Sooj continued, “Furthermore, because we have an effective breast cancer screening program, we are catching more and more breast cancers earlier, helping to improve outcomes.
“So in summary, breast pain alone is usually not a symptom of breast cancer, and it’s usually not a symptom to worry about at all. But make sure you attend breast cancer screenings when you’re invited and if you’re If you’re worried about your pain or if it’s lasted more than six weeks, see your doctor create and discuss it.”
