It is possible to develop breast cancer at a young age, including at 17, though it is extremely rare. While most diagnoses occur in women over 50, it can affect adolescents and young adults. Understanding this rare possibility is important.
Understanding Breast Cancer in Young Individuals
Breast cancer in teenagers and young adults is very uncommon. For instance, between 2012 and 2016, the incidence rate for female breast cancer in 15- to 19-year-olds in the United States was approximately 0.1 in 100,000, or about 1 teen in 1 million. The incidence rate increases with age, reaching approximately 12.2 diagnoses per 100,000 women under 30 and 109.2 per 100,000 in those under 40.
When breast cancer occurs in younger individuals, it often presents with specific characteristics. Young women are more likely to be diagnosed with types like invasive ductal carcinoma, common across all ages, or triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form. These cancers tend to be higher-grade and hormone receptor-negative, meaning they do not rely on estrogen and progesterone for growth.
Recognizing Potential Signs
Becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts helps identify changes. A new lump or firm area in the breast or armpit is a common indicator. These lumps may feel hard and fixed to the chest wall, sometimes causing pain.
Other potential signs include changes in breast size or shape (swelling, shrinking, dimpling of the skin), or skin changes like redness, scaling, or thickening. Nipple changes, such as inversion, flattening, persistent pain, or any discharge not breast milk (especially clear or bloody), should also be noted. While most breast lumps in teenagers are benign, like fibroadenomas or cysts, any persistent changes require professional evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Consultation
If you observe persistent breast changes, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Your primary care doctor or a gynecologist can assess symptoms and determine if further investigation is necessary. Self-diagnosis should be avoided, as many breast changes in young individuals are benign.
During a medical visit, the healthcare provider will typically conduct a physical examination and may inquire about your family medical history. To evaluate concerning findings, imaging tests may be recommended. For young individuals, ultrasound is often the preferred initial method because their breast tissue is typically denser, making mammograms less effective. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also be used, particularly for those at higher risk or with dense breast tissue, as it does not use radiation and provides detailed images. Early detection, even in rare cases, significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Risk Factors for Early-Onset Breast Cancer
Several factors can increase the risk of breast cancer in younger individuals, though most cases in this age group are not linked to specific risks. A strong family history of breast cancer, especially if close relatives were diagnosed young or multiple family members are affected, is a notable risk factor. This can indicate an inherited genetic predisposition.
Inherited genetic mutations are a significant risk factor for early-onset breast cancer. The most commonly associated genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which normally help repair damaged DNA. Mutations in these genes substantially increase the risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age. Other genes, including TP53, PALB2, PTEN, STK11, CDH1, CHEK2, and ATM, are also linked to an increased risk.
Certain benign breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia (an overgrowth of abnormal cells in breast tissue) and some types of fibroadenomas, can also slightly elevate the risk. Lifestyle and environmental factors are generally considered less impactful than genetic predispositions for very early-onset cases.