Can Teens Get Breast Cancer?

By Taneia Surles, MPH Medical Reviewer Maryam Lustberg, MD, MPH

(Source Medically Reviewed):

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. While women typically won’t develop breast cancer until the latter stages of life, some patients under 45 years old show signs of breast cancer. Even teenagers can develop breast cancer symptoms, but how common is this?

Here’s a look at teen breast cancer and the warning signs To know.

How Common is Breast Cancer in Teens?

Breast cancer in teens is extremely rare but possible. “Only one in one million under the age of 20 are diagnosed with breast cancer,” said William Audeh, MD, MS, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the chief medical officer of Agendia in Los Angeles. “There are other benign or non-cancer tumors that can develop in the breasts of teenagers but are also quite rare.”

At What Age Can You Get Breast Cancer?

Typically, women older than 50 are more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer than teens. However, once a teen starts menstruating, their chances of developing breast cancer increase.

“Theoretically, once a woman enters puberty, she is already at risk for developing breast cancer,” said Danielle Leonardo, MD, an internal medicine specialist, oncologist, and writer at My BC Team. “During puberty, there is an increase in estrogen levels which is also the reproductive hormone responsible for breast development.”

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Teens?

As mentioned, breast cancer in teens is rare, with teens having benign breast lumps that don’t have cancerous effects. Typically, noncancerous breast lumps are caused by hormonal imbalances or infections.

However, if a teen or their family suspects they have breast cancer, they should seek medical attention. Being aware of early warning signs can be helpful.

“Whether it is the extremely rare cancer, or a benign breast tumor, the signs and symptoms tend to be the same – a lump or thickening in the breast, which feels different from the rest of the breast tissue,” said Dr. Audeh.

Breast cancer symptoms in teens may include the following:

The breast tissue begins to hurt.

The breast swells and has a reddish hue or is hot to the touch.

The nipple starts secreting liquid or bloody discharge.

The breast lump begins to metastasize or spread to the armpit or collarbone.

If the teen is experiencing any of these symptoms, medical attention is crucial.

“If, however, there is a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast, feels harder than the rest of the breast, or seems to be getting bigger, then is something that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional,” said Dr. Audeh.

Doctors recommend teens do breast self-exams and get regular physicals at the doctor’s office to check for any lumps.

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. However, if they have any of the risk factors mentioned earlier for breast cancer, they and their families should monitor their health closely to look for any early warning signs.