Should itchy bre.asts be worrying?

Dr. Woodman explains that breasts, like any other part of the body, can occasionally feel itchy. Most of the time, this is harmless.

“It’s uncommon for breast itching to be linked to breast cancer,” he says. “However, if you notice a persistent itchy patch on or around your breast that you keep scratching, it’s sensible to have it checked by a healthcare professional.”

Can breast itching ever signal can.cer?

Although rare, itching can sometimes be linked to bre.ast canc.er. One uncommon form, inflammatory breast cancer, may cause skin changes such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and itching.

Other possible causes

Dr. Woodman also points to Paget’s disease, a rare condition affecting the nipple and areola. While it doesn’t always involve cancer, it can sometimes develop into cancer within the milk ducts and may cause sore, itchy, or bleeding nipples.

More commonly, bre.ast itching is linked to non-serious conditions such as eczema. Infections like mastitis can also cause inflammation, discomfort, and itching.

“If itching around your breasts is frequent or uncomfortable, it’s best to get medical advice,” Dr. Woodman recommends.

Common signs of bre.ast can.cer

Since the early 1990s, breast cancer rates in the UK have risen by about 18%, making awareness of symptoms especially important. The most common sign is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

Continue reading…