Breast pain, or mastalgia, does not automatically mean cancer. Cyclical pain linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle is common and usually harmless, while non-cyclical pain can come from cysts, injury, medications or chest-wall muscles. Most early breast cancers do not cause pain, but persistent pain in one spot should still be checked.
Seek medical advice for a new lump, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, swelling, or redness with fever. Regular breast awareness, timely consultation and age-appropriate screening help detect problems early without unnecessary anxiety.
