While extremely uncommon, it is medically possible for a 17-year-old to develop breast cancer. This condition is overwhelmingly more prevalent in older age groups.
Prevalence in Adolescents
Between 2012 and 2016, the incidence rate for female breast cancer in individuals aged 15 to 19 in the United States was approximately 0.1 in 100,000, which translates to about 1 teen in 1 million. Even within the broader adolescent and young adult (AYA) group, spanning ages 15 to 39, breast cancer remains far less common than in older women. The vast majority of breast lumps or changes detected in teenagers are not cancerous. Conditions such as fibroadenomas, which are benign, solid lumps composed of glandular and connective tissue, account for about 91% of all solid breast masses in girls under 19. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, are also common and non-cancerous in this age group.
Recognizing Potential Symptoms
However, certain signs may warrant medical attention. A new lump or mass that feels hard, fixed, or irregular, and does not move easily under the skin, is a notable symptom. Changes in the size or shape of one breast, or alterations in the breast skin such as dimpling, redness, scaling, or an orange-peel texture, should also be observed. Nipple changes, including inversion (turning inward), unusual discharge (especially if clear or bloody), or persistent pain in the nipple area, can be indicators. While breast pain is common and often related to menstrual cycles, persistent pain unrelated to the cycle, or swelling or lumps in the armpit region, also warrant evaluation.
Factors That May Influence Risk
A strong family history, particularly if close relatives were diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age (under 50), can increase a young person’s likelihood, suggesting a potential inherited predisposition. Certain genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, are linked to an increased risk of early-onset breast cancer; approximately half of early-onset breast cancers in young women are associated with these inherited genetic changes, including other less common mutations like TP53, PTEN, STK11, PALB2, and CDH1. Prior radiation therapy to the chest, often received for other childhood cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma or Wilms tumor, is another factor that can significantly increase breast cancer risk later in life. The risk depends on the amount of radiation given and the age at exposure, with younger ages at treatment carrying a greater potential risk.
Seeking Medical Advice and Next Steps
If a 17-year-old or their parent notices any new or persistent breast changes, seeking medical advice is the appropriate next step. Consulting a primary care physician or pediatrician is important for a professional evaluation. During a medical visit, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination of the breasts. They may also recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, which is a common and safe method to further investigate breast lumps in young people.