Breast cancer can be painful. I didn't think I had Breast Cancer because I had pain, it began as twinges and became more of a thumping, I knew something wasn't right. The Doc told me later the lump was close to the skin and I believe this is why I felt the pain. Go by instinct, I did and caught it early. Most important, feel where the pain is coming from and check for a lump. I am, however, postmenopausel.