I'm 19, is it possible for someone my age to have BREAST CANCER?

Question

my left breast has been hurting me and i think i have a cyst (at least i hope its just a cyst).

Answer 1

Yes - for very many reasons it is possible to get even at your age.

Because breast cancer develops for many of the same reasons in both young and older women, it is difficult to pinpoint why it sometimes strikes young women. Several different factors contribute to its development, and many more are being discovered all the time.Some factors include-

* Genetic predisposition: Approximately 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are a result of genetic mutations, most commonly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with these mutations often develop breast cancer at a younger age.

*Atypical hyperplasia (A benign—noncancerous-condition in which cells look abnormal under a microscope and are increased in number): This condition increases a woman's risk of developing cancer by between 4 or 5 times.

* Menstrual periods: Women who began menstruating early (before age 12) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

* Obesity: Being overweight has been a breast cancer risk factor in some clinical studies. Fat tissue produces a small amount of estrogen, which can make your estrogen levels higher. This can promote tumor growth.

* Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol intake has been clearly linked to breast cancer, with women who drink two to five drinks a day having approximately 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer relative to women who drink no alcohol.

* Physical activity: While this one is still up for debate, evidence is mounting that women who engage in moderate exercise have their risk of developing cancer reduced by 18 percent or more.

The exact role of these factors in the early development of breast cancer is unclear, as cancer is often a culmination of several risk factors. If you were diagnosed at a young age, remember that you were not singled out.

Please tell your parents and show to an Oncologist immediately to evaluate the position by conducting necessary mammogram etc. if needed. Please do not neglect as CANCER IS STILL AN ENIGMA-

Answer 2

I doubt you have cancer, you are very young. But go check to a doctor as soon as you can.
Now, is there any liquid coming out from your nipple? Has the cyst been growing? It maybe something serious (but still maybe not cancer). You should also tell the doctor if your family has a cancer history, I mean, any relatives had died young because of cancer.
Don´t worry, just go to the Dr.

Answer 3

Yes, it is possible. I disagree with those that say probably not. While heredity plays a big part, in this day, it is not entirely impossible. Get it checked and checked again. My 20 year old niece is battling breast cancer as we speak. We now find that she has had a growth since her sophomore year and ignored it. She is now in Stage 4 breast cancer. It is an aggressive type that has now spread to her pelvic bone and spine. And have a friend who was diagnosed at 25, had a double mastectomy and treatments. She is a survivor, but it's not looking very good for my niece. Please get it checked out!

Answer 4

Hi, I am a breast cancer survivor and a nurse and a mother of a two year old so you can see I am not that old, yes its possible but very rare, like 1 in 2ooo but never mess around with anything you can feel in your breast and dont let a doc send you home saying your too young, your not too young, make them do an ultrasound, mamogram or even a needle biopsy, remember breast cancer is treatable when caught in the early stages,,,,

Answer 5

Yes, it is quite possible, so you should see a doctor right away and get it checked. If it is cancer, your chances of survival and a long life are greatly enhanced by an early diagnosis. If it isn't, whatever is causing the pain, as well as the nature of the cyst, can be treated to relieve your suffering and anxiety.

Answer 6

Don't wait any longer. Call the doctor for an appoinment. If caught early enough, breast cancer is mostly treatable. If it is just a cyst, then you are blessed but continue to do self examinations!!!

Answer 7

At your young age, it's doubtful that it's cancer. However, I would have it checked out, just to give you peace of mind. It is probably just a cyst or infected milk duct. Sometimes the breasts become tender before a period. Go to a doctor to make sure. Good luck.

Answer 8

Yes it's possible. Rare, but possible.

It's definitely something that you need to get checked out.

80% of breast lumps are NOT cancerous, but 20% of them are.

There's some really good information about young women with breast cancer at youngsurvival.org.

I was only 28 when I was diagnosed.

Answer 9

over like 77 % of breast cancer occur at the age of 50+.It could be cancer but most likely no.You should get it checked out.It is probably a cyst or cartillage.Also if you consume a lot of cafeine it can make your breast hurt and add lumpiness..hope this helps you!

Answer 10

Most likely it is a cyst. Get it checked and relieve yourself of this anxiety. If it were cancer, you would want to get on it as soon as possible.