Are sharp pains in the breast and upper shoulder signs of breast cancer?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER.

Many breast cancers are discovered through routine breast screening exams such as mammograms, even when a woman has no other signs of disease. However, on your own, you may notice symptoms that could be suspicious. See your doctor right away if you have any of these conditions:

a lump or thickness in or near the breast or under the arm

unexplained swelling or shrinkage of the breast, particularly on one side only

dimpling or puckering of the breast

nipple discharge (fluid) other than breast milk that occurs without squeezing the nipple

breast skin changes, such as redness, flaking, thickening, or pitting that looks like the skin of an orange

a nipple that becomes sunken (inverted), red, thick, or scaly
Generally, pain is not a sign of breast cancer.

Regards,
Maryann