Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women across the UK.

So, it makes sense that pain in your chest area can seem quite alarming, as many people fear they’ve developed the cell-mutating disease. However, one doctor claims this often isn’t the case, with breast pain and cancer symptoms sometimes quite different.

Dr Sooj – an NHS GP and A&E doctor – took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the @doctorsooj account. “Lots of 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 the two things together even though they’re not directly linked. There have also been studies which show that breast pain alone does not increase your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.”

While breast cancer is sadly quite common among women, anyone can develop the condition. Its seriousness largely depends on how big it is and if it’s spread, as well as its symptoms.

Usually, women with breast cancer notice a lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit, and perhaps even a change of skin texture surrounding the breast.

Pain experienced in the breast or armpit which doesn’t go away can be a symptom, too. However, if it comes and goes this normally isn’t associated with the disease.

For instance, sometimes pain in the armpit may be down to a swollen gland, which often accompanies a high temperature, cough and sore throat. So, it’s worth paying attention to any other unusual symptoms in your body.

Dr Sooj continued: “Also, because we have an effective screening program for breast cancer, we are picking up more and more breast cancers and we’re getting to them earlier which helps to improve outcomes.

“So, in summary, breast pain alone is usually not a symptom of breast cancer and it isn’t usually a worrying symptom at all. But please make sure you participate in breast cancer screening when you’re invited and, if you’re worried about your pain or if it’s been there for longer than six weeks, then please do go to and speak with your GP.”