Many people who discover a breast lump confide in a friend or family member before talking to their doctor. They may be told that if a breast lump hurts or is sore, it probably isn’t cancer. To find out whether this urban legend holds any truth, we checked with Beth Overmoyer, MD, FACP, of Dana-Farber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers.
If a lump in the breast does not feel sore or tender, does that mean it isn’t cancer?
Between 2 and 7 percent of patients with a painful lump in their breast will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A lump is usually hard or firm compared with surrounding breast tissue. The presence of pain should not be reassuring — anyone who notices a new lump in her (or his) breast should contact a doctor.
Does breast cancer hurt?
It’s unclear why some breast cancers are painful and others aren’t, but pain is not an indication of cancer being more or less aggressive. The most likely reason is that the cancer is irritating the nerves within the breast, but the true cause isn’t known.
If you can move the lump around, does that mean it isn’t cancer?
Early detected breast cancer is often “mobile,” meaning that it can be moved within the breast tissue. This is actually a good sign, because cancerous lumps that are “fixed” to the skin of the breast or the chest wall are often associated with a more advanced cancer that has involved other parts of the breast, not just the fatty tissue. Mobile breast lumps have a greater chance of being surgically removed, and you should bring them to your doctor’s attention immediately.
How often should I perform a self-exam?
Dana-Farber does not recommend relying solely on self-exams to find early-stage cancer. Your doctor should perform breast exams at your annual physical. It’s important to discuss your risk for breast cancer with your doctor and make a plan for prevention — and mammograms — together.
When to worry about a breast lump
The best way to truly solve any anxiety or worry you have about a breast lump is to have the lump examined by a medical professional. They will be able to determine the cause. Remember that the majority of breast lumps end up being benign, but it is still very important to have a professional give you a definitive answer.
For more information about breast cancer research and treatment, visit Dana-Farber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers website.
About the Medical Reviewer
Dr. Overmoyer launched the Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Program at DF/BWCC in 2009, where she continues to serve as the principal investigator of many IBC research programs and clinical trials. She began her oncology career in 1989 at the University of Pennsylvania, where she trained in breast cancer and also participated in a major study in inflammatory breast cancer. She went on to develop the breast cancer program at the Cleveland Clinic and later developed two National Cancer Institute-sponsored studies on angiogenesis inhibitors and inflammatory breast cancer.
I’m 15 and I have a lump on my right breast. I’ve been told that it isn’t anything major. But I’ve been having breast pain a couple days ago. Help me, I’m really worried.
Dear Yessenia —
I’m sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. I wish you all the best.
I’M 20 YR OLD……I have lump in my right breast……….fews days ago i am realising something different in my right breast but its not pain in the lump and also lump is mobile…..plz advise me
Hi,
Recently My mum has found a lump on my right breast although I still dont have my periods yet, Is this situation bad?
Dear Chris —
I am sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you and your mother to address your question with a doctor.
I hope this is helpful — wishing you all the best.
Hi I just recently found out that my mom is complaining of a lump in her breast she said that its painful and sensitive n tendor to touch can it be cancer my mom is very stubborn to see a doctor what should I do to help be seen?
Hello, for the past 2 years I have been going through US, Mamo’s & MRI testing of lumps found in my left breast. Every so often my left breast will hurt. The US, Mamo & MRI all came back as no Cancer. Dr just wants to keep an eye on my lumps to see if they grow. Just 2 months ago I found more lumps and this time I have constant sharp pain, dull pain, burning and itching. Just had another US & Mamo, tech said all looked good nothing abnormal. This can not be normal! I am so tired of going for test every few months. What can I do? I go see surgical specialist on Tuesday but should I be insisting on something or just take their word for it that its nothing?
We are so sorry to hear about your health trouble and concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best to discuss your questions and concerns with your physician or care team. Wishing you all the best.
Hello. I been having multiple painful lumps in my breast for years now. I always thought it was cancer because my grandma passed away from breast cancer at the age of 34. But Then again i thought it could be pregnancy or maybe my cycle. So i never got it checked. But after awhile it never went away. I’m only 21. Can I still get breast cancer?
Dear Jasmine —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.
Hi just curious how your situation ended up? What did you decide? Thanks in advance
My name is brittany and I am 21. I’ve noticed a small lump on my right breast. It has hardened and grown slightly. It is also causing a lot of pain that starts at the lump and goes through my breast. The pain is worsening. Any tips?
Dear Brittany —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.
Hello. I am 10 And I’m super worried. I am quite mature for my age and I know about cancer. Over the last 2-3 Years i have had pain in both my breasts and I’m super worried that i have breast cancer or tumor. I’m quite a bit of a hypochondriac though. I’ve been researching on the web and the results scared me and i get nightmares and worries. Basically my both breasts are very tender and painful to be touched and i feel bones on them when i touch. I don’t know about lumps. Also i had my periods which stopped today and after my periods my left breast became far more painful. I want to tell my mother but have no idea on how and what to tell and she freaks out in every little thing so I need help and assurance its not something serious so that i can sleep peacefully. Please help. Thanks.
Hello —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you and your parents to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.
Hi my name is prudence and I am 15 years old. My first question is that is it likely for girls at my age to get breast cancer so early. And a day ago I felt sore around my breast, and then the next day in my right breast I felt a lump close to my nipple and it sort of hurts near the side of the breast and I can still see my nipple but its sort of flat die to the swelling. I know that I should ask someone to take me to the doctors but the thing is I live with my dad and its kinda awkward talking about my breast. So what should I do. I wanted to wait a week to see if the pain will go along with the lump, the lump is not too big but its a lump. Should I do that. What should I do. Please help me
Thank you
Hi, I’m 14 and a few months ago I noticed a lump in my right breast. I didn’t tell anyone because it didn’t hurt and to add(when I touched it) it moved around. I read up on it, and many websites said for girls my age it’s most likely dense tissue(girls my age rarely get breast cancer(as I read)). But 2 days ago it started to hurt. Now my breast is a little red, and it’s painful, and it feels like either the lump is growing, or my breast is swelling. (the lump is right above my nipple, sorry for being so graphic hehe.)
Dear Brianna —
We are sorry to hear about your health concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot give out medical advice on this blog or over email. It is best for you and your parents to discuss your symptoms with your doctor — he/she will be able to give you the best advice.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (meaning they are not cancerous). Here is more information on some of the many potential causes of breast pain or lumps. We wish you all the best.