Breast cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, but for many, the question remains: does breast cancer cause pain? The short answer is yes—pain can be a symptom of breast cancer. However, it’s important to understand that not every case of breast cancer involves pain, and the experience can vary greatly depending on the individual and the stage of the disease.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between breast cancer and pain, different types of pain that may arise, and holistic ways to manage it.
Understanding Breast Cancer and Pain
So, will breast cancer hurt?
Breast cancer pain can present in many ways, and it’s influenced by several factors. While some patients feel discomfort early on, others may not experience pain until the cancer progresses. The type and intensity of pain can depend on whether the cancer is localized to the breast tissue or has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, causing secondary or metastatic breast cancer.1
But, does breast cancer pain come and go?
In some cases, breast cancer pain may come and go, especially if related to hormone fluctuations or changes in breast tissue. Inflammatory breast cancer, a more aggressive form, is often associated with more acute pain and swelling.2 As the cancer grows, it can push against surrounding nerves or tissues, causing discomfort or a persistent ache. Additionally, treatments like radiation therapy and breast surgery can also contribute to pain, both during the healing process and long after.
Many people ask what age breast cancer starts, as the risk increases with age, but symptoms, including pain, can develop at different times depending on individual circumstances.
Types of Pain Associated with Breast Cancer
When considering pain related to breast cancer, it’s helpful to distinguish between localized pain and systemic pain. Here are some of their differences:
Localized Pain
Localized pain refers to discomfort felt in a specific area, such as the breast, where a lump or inflammation may cause tenderness. Symptoms like cyclical breast pain, which can be associated with hormonal changes, or breast cysts, which are often benign, may cause discomfort but don’t necessarily indicate cancer.3
However, when combined with other breast cancer signs like nipple discharge or a persistent breast lump, these pains warrant further investigation through breast cancer screening.
Systemic Pain
On the other hand, systemic pain can occur when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body. For example, metastatic breast cancer, which may spread to bones, can lead to bone pain or joint pain, making it difficult for patients to manage daily activities. This pain may be constant or intermittent, depending on the progression of the disease. Additionally, many patients wonder if breast cancer causes extreme fatigue, as this is another common and debilitating symptom associated with the condition.
Treatment-Related Pain
Lastly, treatment-related pain is also common.4 Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and breast cancer surgery can leave patients dealing with pain that may last long after treatment. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome or discomfort from breast reconstruction can also be ongoing concerns for survivors.
Holistic Therapies for Managing Pain
At Immunity Therapy Center (ITC), we believe in a holistic approach to managing pain associated with breast cancer. By spreading breast cancer awareness, we can help more people recognize the symptoms early, which is crucial for timely treatment and improving outcomes.
Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery often come with painful side effects, but holistic care offers patients an alternative path. By focusing on the body’s natural healing abilities, patients can experience relief from pain without relying on invasive methods.
Here are some of the holistic therapies that you can get to manage your breast pain:
1. Mind-Body Techniques
Meditation, yoga, and other mind-body practices are powerful tools for reducing stress and managing pain. These techniques can help patients reconnect with their bodies, easing both the physical and emotional toll of breast cancer. Regular meditation has been shown to alleviate pain and promote relaxation, helping patients feel more in control of their healing journey.
2. Nutritional Support
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and support overall breast health. At ITC, we encourage patients to focus on nutrient-dense foods to support their treatment and recovery. Avoiding processed foods and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into the diet can have a profound impact on managing symptoms like breast cancer pain. We also offer vitamin and mineral supplementation therapies for our clients.
3. Oxygen Therapy and Hyperthermia
For those dealing with more severe pain, we offer therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the body’s oxygen intake to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Hyperthermia treatment, which involves raising the body’s temperature to target cancer cells, can also reduce tumor size and alleviate pain by working with the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
How ITC Can Support
At Immunity Therapy Center, we understand the complexities of breast cancer and the challenges that come with pain management. Our holistic approach offers patients non-invasive therapies designed to treat cancer while also addressing the discomfort and pain that may accompany the disease.
From oxygen therapy to intratumoral immunotherapy, our treatments are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. They work to boost the body’s natural healing abilities and improve quality of life. By focusing on natural, less invasive therapies, we help alleviate pain, promote healing, and provide hope for those facing breast cancer.
For those ready to explore alternative treatment options for breast cancer, ITC is here to guide you on a path toward better health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take control of your healing journey and manage breast cancer pain effectively.
Written By: Dr. David Alvarez
Dr. David Alvarez is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Xochicalco and Certified by the American Heart Association (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support).
Dr. Alvarez has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista as an Assistant Medical Director at the Immunity Therapy Center for over 6 years. He provides daily on site patient care and participates on the medical board on research and development of patient treatment plans and programs. Dr. Alvarez is a knowledgeable and compassionate Doctor committed to helping patients get to where they want to be health wise through a more holistic and comprehensive approach.
Sources:
- Breastcancer.org. Bone Metastasis. https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic/bone-metastasis
- National Cancer Institure. Inflammatory Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheet
- Cleveland Clinic. Breast Pain (Mastalgia). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15469-breast-pain-mastalgia
- Science Direct. Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Critical Review of Risk Factors and Strategies for Prevention. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590010008576
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.