Breast cancer among teenagers is rare. Changes in breasts while teens undergo puberty is common. But many teens might be worried about the changes being caused by breast cancer. So, to eliminate the possibility, you should know the early symptoms of breast cancer in teens and regularly talk to your doctor. Here’s what all you should know.

• Early symptoms of breast cancer in teens
  According to the existing guidelines, it is recommended that women around 40 years of age or above get a screening done regularly to check on the disease. But in case teens experience any abnormal symptoms or any unusual changes in the breast, they must consult a doctor.
  Almost 90% of lumps in the breast are not cancerous. When a lump is cancerous, it will be hard, have irregular borders, and not move.

The symptoms of breast cancer that teens should be vigilant about include the following:

• A lump or lumps in the breast
• Lymph nodes that are swollen and present in the neck or under the armpits
• Any unexplained and abnormal changes in the shape or size of the breasts
• Any changes on nipple or breast skin
• Any unexplained discharge from the nipples which is not associated with pregnancy, menstruation, or breastfeeding
• Redness or swelling on the breast
• Development of a rash or an itch anywhere on the breast

Some symptoms might be common in adult women, but might not be usually found in teens. These can include having a nipple inverted inward and discharge from the nipple.

• What are the causes of breast cancer among teens?
  Knowing about the causes is as important as learning about the early symptoms of breast cancer in teens. The number of breast cancer cases are so few that the cause is yet to be determined. However, the development of breast cancer among teens is often believed to be a result of changes in the cells and DNA that take place at the early stages of life. These changes can even take place when a child in the womb. Also, unlike adult breast cancer, the cancer at this stage is not related to lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet or smoking.

However, if a teen is exposed to these habits at early stages in life, the chances are that they might develop breast cancer at later stages in their life.

• Risk factors of breast cancer in teens
  There isn’t enough research available on breast cancer among teens to know the risk factors. However, usually, the main risk factors include family history or having any abnormality in the breast. Besides, if a teen is exposed to radiation during their years of breast development as a part of treatment for diseases such as leukemia, it can also increase the chances of breast cancer.