Benign (not cancer) breast conditions are very common.

Most breast changes, such as breast lumps or breast pain, are not signs of breast cancer.

However, if you notice a lump or any other change that’s new for you, see your GP as soon as possible.

1. Breast lumps

Breast lumps can have a number of different causes.

It’s important to get any breast lumps checked by your doctor as a lump can be a sign of cancer.

Common causes of breast lumps:

• Breast cyst – a fluid-filled sac that can develop as the breasts change with age.
• Fibroadenoma – a lump that often develops during puberty, but which can occur at any age.

2. Breast pain

Breast pain is very common in women of all ages.

3. Rash under the breast

A rash under your breast or breasts, between the folds of skin, is usually caused by a skin condition called intertrigo.

It’s a very common condition that can occur throughout life.

4. Other common breast conditions

Other common benign breast conditions include:

• Breast calcifications – these don’t cause any noticeable symptoms and are usually found during breast screening or an investigation for another breast problem
• Periductal mastitis – occurs when the ducts (tubes) under the nipple become inflamed and infected, causing a tender, hot or reddened breast
• Gynaecomastia – an enlargement of breast tissue in men, usually affecting teenage boys and older men

Have you felt or seen anything unusual? If so, make sure you get checked out by our doctor as soon as possible