Could painful breasts indicate a form of breast cancer?

Typically no: ...But contrary to what most people think, some patients with cancer do experience pain. If you have any new or unexplained finding in the breast, be it a lump, pain, or skin changes, please visit your gyn or pcp. Don't depend on an online consultation. We can't examine you here. Best to you.

Not usually, but...: Painful breasts require a physician's evaluation, because the evaluation and treatment can be complex. It is rare, but possible for cancer to present with pain.