Costochondritis and breast cancer

[Nurse_BCN]

Hi Caroline 

Thanks for your post.  

It’s not uncommon to experience chest discomfort following radiotherapy. However, it’s not possible for us to say if the pain is due to costochondritis or another cause.  

As your symptoms are new, it’s important to get them checked out. If you have a breast care nurse, you could call her to make an appointment with the oncologist. Your GP may be able to refer you back to the treatment team. You are certainly not wasting the doctors’ time. 

As previously recommended, if you’re concerned about the pain increasing, do call 111. 

You’re also welcome to call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001). 

If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.   

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.  

Best wishes  

Addie 

Breast Care Nurse 

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This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. 

[Nurse_BCN]

Hi Caroline 

Thanks for posting your question.

We will be able to send you a fuller response tomorrow.

In the meantime please contact 111 service if you have any concerns about your health 

Jane

Breast Care Nurse 

Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

[ice_cc]

Hi there,

I'm almost four years post-treatment for primary breast cancer, and have recently been suffering from pains in the centre of my chest. I think this might be due to costochondritis as it hurts more during / after physical activity and when I press the affected area. I've had left-sided rib pain ever since my treatment, and can't wear under-wired bras any more, but this is new pain that is more central on my chest wall, so I wondered whether surgery / radiotherapy could possibly cause delayed-onset costochondritis? I haven't this pain seen / diagnosed by a GP yet either, so I don't know whether it's worth mentioning this? I'm 35 and otherwise keep myself fit and healthy, but I feel like my body has gone bonkers over the last couple of months (headaches, chest pain, acid reflux, tinnitus...) so I don't want to be *that* patient who GPs hate because they keep coming back! 😕

Caroline