Yes, but very rarely. While breast cancer is most frequently diagnosed in older women, a teenager can indeed have a diagnosis of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than 5% of all diagnoses of breast cancer occur in women under 40, so it would be even less likely for those cases to actually be teenagers. Yet breast cancer can actually be diagnosed in every person at whatever age may be, even children, though it occurs in a very small number of cases.
What Is Breast Cancer?
The result of cells grown uncontrolled within the breast, forming a tumor, may be breast cancer. There are several types of breast cancer. Most start in the milk ducts of the breast. This is referred to as ductal carcinoma. Others may begin in the lobules-glands that produce milk and are termed lobular carcinoma. At adolescence, the tissue of the breast grows during puberty that can cause lumps in the breast, which are not cancerous, but very rarely, they cause cancer.
Adolescent Breast Masses What is normal and what is not? The majority of girls in their adolescent years in life will experience breast lumps or bumps, termed fibrocystic disease, and fortunately are benign. They occur due to hormonal changes. The most common benign causes of breast masses that teens encounter include the following:.
- Fibroadenomas: These are firm, rubbery, and smooth masses that move a little when pressed. They are painless and benign.
- Breast Cysts: These are small fluid-filled cysts in the tissue of the breast. Benign and often resolve on its own.
- Fibrocystic Breast Changes: This is a lumpy, frequently tender feeling in the breasts, and it usually corresponds with the girl’s period.
Even though most lumps are indeed benign, all of them must be taken seriously. Any lump that persists longer than a couple of weeks, becomes painful, or perhaps appears to look unlike other lumps should be evaluated by a doctor.
Can Teens be Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
Yes, but it is extremely unusual. However, since early diagnosis is the key to effective therapy at any age, adolescent girls must watch for abnormalities in the breasts. They must be aware of the following signs:
A new lump or mass under the skin is felt either in the breast or in the armpit that persists during the menstrual cycle.
- Change in the shape or size of the breast.
- Change in skin texture or appearance of the breast that becomes puckered or dimpled in appearance, redness, or scaliness.
- No relation nipple discharge to milk production
- Recurrent and unexplained pain in the breast or nipple.
- Risk factors for breast cancer in teens
Causes that have been related to high risk for breast cancer among teens, as provided below:
- Genetics: Inherited genetic defects causing breast cancers can significantly impact many families’ lives. Some women are born with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women who inherited these mutated genes have a much higher chance of developing early breast cancer. Discussion of relatives diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause is highly encouraged as part of a healthcare provider visit.
- Radiation Exposure: If at some point in time she received radiation therapy for another type of cancer in the chest, her risk of breast cancer is likely increased in this teen.
How This Cancer Is Diagnosed and Treated for Teens
It is rare to find a case of breast cancer in teenagers, as there are very few associated risk factors in this population. In fact, the rate of ascendance of breast cancer cases in this age bracket is insignificant hence considered a rare disease. Nevertheless, the possibility of breast cancer in some teenagers exists, thus knowing the signs and seeking help within the required period is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer that include lumps or other lesions within the breast, irregular changes in breast contour, narrowing of the skin over the breast, or discharge from the nipple can be present in some modification. Adolescent females who observe abnormal changes in their breasts should be seen by a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation. Diagnosis of breast cancer in the early stages of the disease improves the prognosis of most clinics and health centers that treat the disease. Unfortunately, such prophylactic measures are deemed unnecessary for young female patients; however, making them familiar with their anatomy and able to notice worrisome deviations should still be encouraged.
Also Read: Stage 1 Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast Cancer Treatment Options for Teens.
As with other cancers, if breast cancer is diagnosed in a teenager, the doctor will tailor the treatment plan taking into account the patient’s age and the changes in the structure and functioning of the patient’s body. Treatment methods may include various approaches aimed at eradicating or controlling cancer cells while preserving the mental and physical well-being of the adolescent. The following are the generally accepted therapeutic approaches:
- Surgical Intervention: For the majority, surgery is regarded as the first course of action in the management of breast cancer. The primary objective is to extirpate the malignant tissue from the breast. Surgeons do a lump excision (excision of merely the bulk) or total mastectomy (excision of the whole breast), depending on the size and position of the tumor. More often than not, however, the lymph nodes in the axillary region are respected as well, to assess the extent of the cancer disease.
- Radiotherapy: Delicate radiation therapy is applied in addressing residual breast cancer cells in the target breast area post surgery. This involves passing high-powered rays which are angled toward the area of concern. Low returned risk for occurrence of cancer. For instance radiation therapy is normally advisable to be performed for the teenagers who have undergone lumpectomy or breast conserving therapy for the disease that has extended its limits beyond the breast.
- Chemotherapy: In this treatment, powerful medicines distressed cancerous cells both close and far from the breast in the whole organism. Particularly when it can safely be said that the diseased process also involves non-regional tissue. Often chemotherapy is prescribed prior to surgery if the goal is to decrease the size of the mass or following the operation to kill off the remaining cancerous cells. While chemotherapy may achieve intended goals, common adverse effects include nausea, extreme exhaustion, and hair loss with weight loss years with age.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that makes use of the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer. Instead of directly acting on cancer cells as is the case with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immunotherapy acts to stimulate or enhance the immune system’s naturally occurring ability to identify and destroy the cancer cells with greater efficiency. Various immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, CAR T-cell therapy, among others, all aimed at enhancing immune function. This has produced good results and well-being in the management of several cancers offering promise for most patients especially those who may not respond to standard treatment.
Teenage patients diagnosed with breast cancer are often given additional supportive treatment to help them manage the difficulties that come with the illness. Various methods like counseling, support groups, and family participation are essential in helping adolescents cope with the stress and worries that come during cancer treatment.
Also Read: Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Can breast cancer be prevented in young girls?
There are some instances when breast cancer can’t really be stopped but some better choices are able to decrease the chances of getting other diseases especially cancer. Having a healthy way of living is important for one’s health status as it may help minimize risk of developing breast cancer. Some of these efforts include:
Exercising regularly and eating healthy:
- Tobacco and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided.
- Take care of your body and its changes by letting a doctor know every unusual sign.
- It is especially important to motivate young individuals to practice healthy behaviors since these measures have an impact on their wellbeing and the likelihood of these youth having health issues later on.
Conclusion
With the statistics that show breast cancer in teens is very uncommon, it is still significant for teenagers to pay attention to their bodies and speak out whenever there are any unexpected changes. When treatment is commenced as soon as there is a noticeable symptom, the prognosis tends to improve significantly. Young people can go one step further to keep healthy and lessen the risk of illnesses by eating healthily and keeping themselves updated.
Also Read: Targeted Therapy For Breast Cancer
