Breast pain is common, especially during a period. It is not usually a sign of anything serious, but you should see your GP if you are concerned or it does not improve.
The NHS has further information here: Breast pain
You should make an appointment to see your GP if your pain is new or different for you, or if you have other symptoms.
More information:
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Understanding Breast Pain (Video)
- Breast Cancer Now (BCN): Breast pain
Breast Screening and Cancer
The NHS has a breast screening programme to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel. The information about the NHS screening programme is available here: Breast screening (mammogram).
If you have breast symptoms you are worried about (e.g. lumps, nipple discharge, skin changes), make an appointment with your GP – do not wait for your screening.
- NHS: How to examine your breasts (easy-read)
- Breast Cancer Now (BCN): Signs and symptoms of breast cancer and helpline support
- Signhealth UK (BSL): Breast cancer awareness: How to check (video)
- Macmillan: Breast cancer information and support
- Friends, Families and Travellers: Information leaflet for Gypsies and Traveller Communities
- CoppaFeel!: – Chest and Breast Cancer Advice for Trans and Non-Binary People
Information in other languages:
BCN: Know your breasts – Somali
NHS BSL: Taking part in NHS breast screening (video)
BCN: Know your breasts – Arabic
BCN: Know your breasts – Bengali
BCN: Know your breasts – French
BCN: Know your breasts – Gujarati
BCN: Know your breasts – Polish
BCN: Know your breasts – Portuguese
BCN: Know your breasts – Punjabi
BCN: Know your breasts – Romanian
BCN: Know your breasts – simplified Chinese
BCN: Know your breasts – Spanish
BCN: Know your breasts – Welsh
BCN: Know your breasts – Ukranian
Page last reviewed: 23 January 2026
Next review due: 23 January 2027
