I was diagnosed October 2021 with TNBC and had chemo and radiotherapy in 2022. I have been had a lot of rib pain under affected breast and in May 24 I had a bone scan which was ok thank goodness. The rib pain seems to be getting worse. I have spoken to a surgeon who wasn’t helpful and the pain team. Breast care nurse is looking into anything that can help but I think it’s caused by the radiotherapy, I had 15 rounds including the booster and o have fibromyalgia which probably doesn’t help. Has anyone else had rib pain they think caused by radiotherapy and anything they have found helpful for the pain. I have tried many medications. After ready many things and u tube videos have seen it is a common thing after radiotherapy. I think it should be recognised more and maybe listed as a side effect that can happen later on or your mind just runs overtime thinking they worst. Thank you 
Hi whyte,
I remember my breast surgeon telling me that radiotherapy is a treatment that keeps on giving and is very unforgiving.
Yes i too have rib pain on surgery side, above, chest bone, tender in breast tissue what is left of it after 2x lumpectomies and below the tissue, around the rib cage.
One of my many visits post surgery, after rads it was suggested to use ibuprofen cream, gently massage in when the need arises. I do, i find it really helps.
Can i also suggest as you are still under your breast cancer team arrange another scan, since your last one was back in 2022. Hopefully then it will hopefully ease your worries.
Take care and if you can let us know how you get on.
I too have had ongoing rib pain and tightness, also pain and tightness in my shoulder and upper arm. I had a CT scan a year ago which thankfully was clear. My oncologist suggested voltarol cream and referred me to a breast physio. She gave me some stretches and recommended yoga. I have started chair yoga and it has made such a difference. Its not gone completely but the gentle stretching is definitely helping. I also saw my surgeon as I was referred due to some worrying skin changes on my breast. She sent me for an MRI scan which ,again, thankfully was clear. She explained that a combination of scar tissue from surgery, nerve damage and shrinkage/tightness from radiotherapy causes the breast tissue and muscles to pull in various directions.
I find a combination of weekly yoga, trying to do my physio stretches daily(from my origional surgery!), painkillers, voltarol and a cool pack(refrigerated, not frozen) as required has definitely improved the pains and tension. I am not sure it will ever go back to “normal”. I think radiotherapy is the biggest culprit. Good luck going forward.
Thank you. I too have breast pain as well after lumpectomy. I will try some creams. I had a bone scan May 24 and my team won’t give me another one so I’m praying it is just the radiotherapy. Seems a lot of us are suffering .x
Thank you. I do Pilates once a week but didn’t know there was a breast physio. I get breast pain too so I think it is the scar tissue and fibrosis and nerve damage but the radiotherapy not helping I think it’s the same for many of us. Thanks for reply.x
I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy back in 2001. I have been suffering with breast & rib pain ever since, also shoulder pain. I’ve been to the Drs/Surgeon several times and they just say it’s the effects of radiotherapy! I do Pilates and stretches regular but some days the pain really is unbearable! I’ve tried all sorts of pain relief but can’t seem to find one which agrees with me! Sometimes it’s reassuring just to know you aren’t the only one experiencing these pains 