While breasts are often celebrated, they also come with their fair share of frustrations.
From uncomfortable bras and back pain caused by a larger chest to increased sensitivity during your period, many people deal with bre.ast-related discomfort on a regular basis. Recently, however, another concern has been getting a lot more attention: itching.
According to data from Bupa UK Insurance, online searches for “itchy b.oo.bs” increased fourteenfold between July and August this year. Searches for “one itchy nipple” tripled, while “itching below breast” doubled, suggesting that many people are experiencing or at least worrying about this symptom.
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaching in October, Dr. Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa UK Insurance, shared expert insight to address common concerns.
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.
