A couple of years back I lost my mum to breast cancer. A couple of years before that, my aunt was diagnosed with it (although she managed to survive)... I am concerned that I may be susuptible to it, and because I'm underage (17), I can't get a breast exam from a professional... I'm even more concerned because my periods have been really irregular lately. (Like, I'd have one one month, skip a month and then start again, but it would last for a week, when typically it would last only 3 or 4 days. I started when I was 11, so periods should be pretty regular by this point in time, right?)
Thanks in advance.
-Sierra-
2007-09-19 00:06:04 · 6 answers · asked by Infamous Guitar Heroine 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I'm very sorry to hear about your mum.
When you go for your annual physical, mention to your doctor your concerns. You aren't at high risk at this age but if having regular exams will give you peace of mind they will likely oblige. Until then make sure you do monthly breast exams, check for lumps and note any discharge.
The trouble with ovarian cancer is that there often aren't any symptoms. Abdominal pain, bloating and unexplained weight gain or loss can be symptoms, but not necessarily.
Your irregular periods are more than likely NOT a symptom of ovarian cancer. Keep in mind that your cycles will change at various times throughout your life. Honestly, I went through the same thing when I was about your age. (Skipped cycles, long cycles, short cycles...) Eventually it went back to a "new normal" where my cycles were longer.
2007-09-19 05:12:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of things can change a womans period. Stressful events can trigger a change.
Because your mom died from breast cancer you are at a slightly higher risk for POSSIBLY developing breast cancer. You are very young and RARELY do women under the age of 35 develop breast cancer.
Signs would be a lump in or around your breast tissue. Nipple discharge, skin changes on the breast such as scaling, dimpling, peeling...
You can perform your own breast exam...just google it and it will show you how. This is the most common way that breast cancer is found, a self breast exam.
2007-09-19 05:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am sorry about your mom lost may she rest in peace. here are some symptoms of breast cancer..
A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple, often associated with a breast lump
Retraction or indentation of your nipple
A change in the size or contours of your breast
Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast
Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
ovarian cancer symptoms
There are few clear symptoms of ovarian cancer. Typically it can cause pain in the abdomen, a feeling of being bloated, fatigue, weight loss, or problems with urination. However, these can all be caused by a number of other diseases. This makes it difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer by symptoms alone.
2007-09-19 00:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sorry about your mum,sweety.
I think you must calm down and go every year to the gynecologist for the regular exams. Tell about the history of your mum and your aunt.
About your periods, could be for stress,but ask to your doctor.
I wish you the best.
2007-09-19 20:41:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do u know more details about breast/ovarian cancer pls visit this site u will get answer
2007-09-19 22:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by san j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to speak with your parent (father?) or guardian about seeing a doctor. Then speak to the doctor about an exam. You are not too young for an exam. All of these things should be resolved with your doctor.
2007-09-19 18:49:16 · answer #6 · answered by moondrop000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋