Breast cancer in females younger than 20 years old is extremely rare. It only occurs at a rate of 0.1%, which means that for every 1 million teens, there is only one case of breast cancer.
Lumps in teenage breast tissue can be from breast development, hormone shifts from your menstrual cycle, or noncancerous breast changes.
This article reviews breast development, menstrual cycle breast changes, breast cancer myths, noncancerous breast changes, causes of breast cancer, and breast exams.
Puberty and Overlapping Breast Cancer Symptoms
During puberty, your brain releases particular hormones that cause breast development and eventually a menstrual period.
Normal Breast Development
Breast buds are raised bumps under the nipple. They are the first sign of breast development and usually appear between the ages of 7 and 13. Breast buds may feel hard at first but soften over time.
It’s normal and common to feel lumpiness or tenderness in your breasts as they develop and grow.
Breast size and shape are unique for everyone. Most people have one breast that is slightly larger than the other.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Female hormones go up and down during your monthly menstrual cycle. This hormonal fluctuation can cause the breasts to feel lumpy, tender, or heavy, especially during the week leading up to your period.
Breast Cancer Misconceptions
The Internet is full of misconceptions about breast cancer. Be critical about the information you get from the internet. Ensure the source is credible and uses current scientific research.
Average Age of First Menstrual Cycle
While this is just an average, most girls start their period about two years after breast buds develop.
The following do not increase breast cancer risk:
- Injury to the breastNipple piercing.Underwire bras
Other Teenage Breast Changes
Fibroadenomas and fibrocystic breasts are common reasons for benign (noncancerous) lumps in teens.
Can Cell Phones or Deodorants Cause Cancer?
There is not enough scientific evidence to say that cell phones, deodorants, or antiperspirants cause cancer, and more research is needed. This could mean there are not enough studies or data, the outcomes of the studies are conflicting, or there are limitations within existing studies.
- Fibroadenomas are firm or rubbery, round, moveable lumps that can grow to several inches. They are usually in the upper and outer part of the breast and do not usually cause soreness or changes in the nipple or skin.Fibrocystic breast changes occur when breast tissue thickens. It may feel lumpy and can lead to harmless, fluid-filled cysts that come and go, especially around your period.
Breasts and Birth Control
Studies show an 8%–24% increase in the risk of breast cancer for those taking hormonal birth control. However, the baseline cancer risk for teenagers is very low, and the difference in risk of developing cancer in teenagers who do take birth control vs. those who do not is small.
What to Do If You Have a Lump
If you have a lump that causes discomfort or worries you, talk to your parent or guardian, healthcare provider, or school nurse. Medical treatment is usually only needed if it causes pain or extreme anxiety.
Risk varies with age and is less for younger women. Research shows one additional case of cancer for every 50,000 women who use hormonal contraception.
Typical Breast Cancer Age
While breast cancer can occur in younger women, most is found in women 50 years and older.
Symptoms to Look For
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms in your breasts:
- A nipple that turns inward
- Hard lumps (except breast buds)
- Lumps that don’t move easily or go away
- Nipple discharge (if not pregnant or breastfeeding)
- Pain not related to a period
- Skin changes (redness, swelling, dry or flaky, thick, itchy rash, or puckering)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
- Unexplained change in size or shape
Causes of Breast Cancer
Because there are so few breast cancer cases in teenagers, there is not much research about the cause. However, the following are known risk factors for breast cancer:
Is Breast or Nipple Pain a Symptom of Breast Cancer?
While breast pain often makes us think of breast cancer, it is extremely rare for breast cancer to cause breast or nipple pain.
- Being a woman
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Getting older
- Mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
- Obesity or being overweight
- Previous radiation treatment
Treatment At a Glance
Treatment for breast cancer may include one or a combination of the following:
When You’ve Watched Your Loved One Battle Breast Cancer
If you’ve watched someone you love go through breast cancer, you may feel scared, angry, guilty, neglected, embarrassed, or concerned about your risk of getting breast cancer.
These feelings are normal, and there is no right way to feel. It is good to express those feelings by talking to a trusted family member, counselor, or support group. It can also help to write them in a journal.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy includes medications used to kill cancer cells.
- Medication: Medications other than chemotherapy may be given depending on the type of cancer. These medications include hormones, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and more.
- Radiation: Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Surgery: Surgery options vary depending on the cancer stage (amount of cancer and whether it has spread) and location. They may include a lumpectomy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction.
When to Start Breast Examinations
Breast self-exams are not recommended until you are in your 20s. However, it is good to familiarize yourself with your breasts to know what is normal for you.
You can do this by lying down and lightly touching your breasts with your fingertips. Take note of texture, softness or hardness, lumpiness, tenderness, or anything else you feel.
When looking in the mirror, note your breasts’ size, shape, and color. Watch for any changes in the skin or nipples.
Clinical Breast Exams
It’s rare for teenagers to need clinical breast exams. However, if you are at high risk or have symptoms, your healthcare provider may perform one.
The Way Your Breasts Feel Can Change
Keep in mind your breasts are still developing and can change. They may also feel different during different times of your menstrual cycle.
During a clinical breast exam, your healthcare provider will have you lie on your back and lightly press around the breast tissue, examining them for lumps or cysts.
Mammograms
Mammograms are not recommended for women under 40 unless they are at high risk or have symptoms. They are not usually recommended for teenagers because:
Ask for a Female Healthcare Provider if Needed
It’s always OK to ask for a female provider or chaperone if that would make you feel more comfortable.
- It’s best not to expose adolescents to radiation unless it’s absolutely necessary.Teenage breast tissue is dense (this limits the sensitivity of mammograms).Teens are at very low risk of breast cancer.
If a teenager does have signs or symptoms of breast cancer, an ultrasound usually is the preferred imaging test.
Summary
Breast cancer in female teenagers is very rare. Lumps in teenage breast tissue are usually harmless and caused by breast development or hormone shifts. While breast self-exams and clinical breast exams are not necessary for teenagers, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your breasts. Keep in mind that as breasts develop, they change and can feel lumpy, sore, heavy, or tender. They also change during your menstrual cycle.
Family History of Cancer
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a family history of cancer. Breast cancer screening or genetic testing usually are not recommended until you are over age 18. However, they should know about your family history of breast cancer now so you can make a plan together.
A Word From Verywell
Breast buds, lumpy breast tissue, or pain can cause teenagers to worry about breast cancer. These feelings are normal, but remember that teenage breast cancer is very rare. Changes usually are due to breast development or your menstrual cycle. Talk to a trusted family member or school nurse if you find something that worries you. You can also call your healthcare provider and ask to speak with them or their nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is breast hardness in teens normal?
- A hard lump directly below the nipple (breast bud) is normal when you start developing breasts. Contact your healthcare provider if your breasts are already fully developed, and you feel a hard lump that does not move around or go away.
- What is the survival rate for teen breast cancer?
- On the rare occasion that a teenager has breast cancer, their five-year survival rate is 86%.
- What should teenage girls look for in a breast self-examination?
- Self-exams of the breasts are not recommended until women are in their 20s. However, it’s good to start familiarizing yourself with your breasts early. Take note of softness, hardness, lumpiness, and tenderness. These can change with breast development and your menstrual cycle.
A hard lump directly below the nipple (breast bud) is normal when you start developing breasts. Contact your healthcare provider if your breasts are already fully developed, and you feel a hard lump that does not move around or go away.
On the rare occasion that a teenager has breast cancer, their five-year survival rate is 86%.
Self-exams of the breasts are not recommended until women are in their 20s. However, it’s good to start familiarizing yourself with your breasts early. Take note of softness, hardness, lumpiness, and tenderness. These can change with breast development and your menstrual cycle.
