is breast cancer possible at the age of 17?
I have a realy close friend that is only 17 and says she feels a lump in her breast, it does not hurt, and sometimes she feels like it is getting smaller, do u guys think this might be cancer? or might is be just extra tissue?
While there is a slim possibility, it is highly unlikely.
It is more likely that what she is feeling is either normal tissue or a cyst.
Having said that, and abnormality in the breast should be checked, just in case.
The cases that occur against the ones are the ones that Drs write about in medical journals!
At that age, most likely a cyst, or just a bit of dense tissue in the breast. Further, if the lump is near the nipple, there is a possibility of an inflamed milk duct, of which there are several surrounding that particular area on the breast. Check for a discharge when the area is compressed or squeezed.
Any anomaly within breast tissue should be examined by a medical professional, at any age.
The chances are close to zero.
Fewer than 0.1% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are under 30, and it’s almost unheard of in under 25s.
The American Cancer Society and other cancer organisations recommend that women begin breast self-examination at the age of 20 (edit – sorry! because of a VERY unfortunate typo, that read 50 for a while),
Most breast lumps, even in women over 50 (who are 80% of those diagnosed), aren’t cancerous. Many women have naturally lumpy breasts. A cancerous breast lump wouldn’t get smaller.
So it’s extremely unlikely to be cancer. If she’s still concerned she could talk her school nurse if she’s still at school, or ask her doctor next time she sees him/her
Very unlikely under 30 and even less so at 17. It is most likely a cyst or inflamed milk duct. She should see a doctor though because it could be an infection.