Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the pain may be coming from your chest rather than your breast, particularly if it feels like pressure or tightness and occurs with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical care if a breast becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful, especially if you have a fever or feel unwell.
This may be mastitis or an abscess and needs prompt assessment, whether or not you are breastfeeding.
Also seek urgent advice after a significant injury if the breast is rapidly swelling or becoming much more painful.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if:
Pain lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning
Pain remains in one area or affects only one breast
It interferes with sleep or daily activities
You find a new lump or thickened area
There is bloody or clear nipple discharge
The breast changes shape, the skin dimples, or the nipple turns inward
Symptoms do not improve with self-care
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Breast pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.