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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer in Teens
Although breast cancer is rarely diagnosed in teens, a small number of patients less than 2%, according to the National Cancer Institute are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 34. Because the risk of developing breast cancer early in life is so low, teenagers and young adults generally do not need to be overly concerned. However, adolescence is an ideal time to establish healthy habits, such as avoiding tobacco products and exercising regularly, which can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
On occasion, a teenager or young adult might discover a small lump in his or her breast tissue. However, these lumps are almost always benign (noncancerous), and are usually caused by normal hormonal fluctuations or infections.
Noncancerous lumps that develop in younger individuals often go away on their own. However, if a teenager or young adult notices any of the following, he or she is advised to make an appointment with a physician:
The breast tissue starts to hurt (and the pain is not the ordinary soreness that accompanies a menstrual period if female).
The breast becomes swollen, reddish in color or hot to the touch.
The nipple begins to secrete a liquid or bloody discharge.
The lump spreads to the armpit or collarbone.
Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer as teenagers or young adults often have a wide range of treatment options, as they are typically healthy enough to tolerate even the most aggressive therapies. As a result, survival outcomes are often high for young breast cancer patients.
Teen breast cancer is a very rare occurrence that most teens won’t need to worry about. At times, they may experience breast lumps, especially as they undergo puberty. Please encourage young adults to monitor their breast health. If they have any of the above symptoms or any other symptoms contact their physician. Doctors recommend teens do breast self-exams and get regular physicals at the doctor’s office to check for any lumps.
To access the full article on breast cancer in teens, click here.