Breast pain is common and can be worrying, but for many people it is not a sign of cancer. Our work to improve breast pain information and support is part of the Population Health Improvement Plan for Essex. It aims to help people understand possible causes, know when to seek advice and feel confident speaking to a healthcare professional. Although this work sits within our women’s health programme, the information is for anyone concerned about their breast or chest health.
Making breast health easier to understand
Breast pain can have many causes, including hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, some medicines, breast implants or pain from the muscles and chest wall. If you are concerned, speak to a healthcare professional.
We are working with Dr Hannah Davies, an Essex GP with a specialist interest in women’s health, to produce short videos about breast pain. They explain possible causes, ways to manage pain and when to seek medical advice. The videos provide trusted information in a quick, accessible format.
Watch our short videos to learn more about breast pain, what may cause it, what you can do and when to seek medical advice.
Prevention starts with information
Prevention also means helping people understand their health, recognise changes and know when to seek advice. This matters because breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UK, and finding it earlier can improve treatment and outcomes. Good breast health information helps people understand their bodies and act when something changes.
The Population Health Improvement Plan sets out how we will improve health in Essex over five years by preventing ill health, reducing unfair differences and supporting people throughout their lives. Clear, accessible breast health information supports all three aims.
Listening to women
There is another important reason why this work matters.
Women have told us repeatedly that they want to be listened to and taken seriously when they talk about their health.
Women have told us they want to be listened to and taken seriously. The renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England, published in April 2026, reflects those voices. It aims to give women greater voice, choice and control over their health and care, improve access and tackle inequalities.
That national ambition needs to translate into practical improvements locally.
Locally, this means making sure people can find information they understand, recognise when to seek advice, know where to go and feel listened to when they ask for help.
Tackling inequalities in breast health
Health information and care do not work equally well for everyone. Deprivation, disability, ethnicity and other circumstances can create barriers, including to breast screening. We need to use clear, inclusive and accessible information, and work with communities and partners to reach people who may otherwise miss out.
A small change that can make a big difference
Breast pain is not always a sign of something serious, but the worry is real. We want people to understand what may be happening, know when to seek help and feel confident that they will be listened to. Good women’s health starts with people being heard, informed and supported.
Find out more about breast pain and the common causes and symptoms Visit our Women’s health information hub