Samuel Harris, Period Pro from Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
Samuel Harris, Period Pro
Breast Health for Teens and Young Women
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer mostly happens to older women. So why learn about breast health now?
Breasts change a lot from puberty through around the age of 20s. This time can feel exciting, confusing, and even a little scary. Learning what is normal helps everyone know their bodies and not fear it.
How breasts grow
Most girls start growing breasts between ages 8 and 13. The average age is about 10. The first sign is usually a small, tender bump under the nipple. This is called a breast bud. It can happen on one side and not the other at first so being lopsided is ok initially.
Doctors use a scale called Tanner stages to check that growth is on track. There are 5 stages. Stage 1 is before puberty. Stage 2 is the breast bud, which means puberty has started. Stage 5 is a fully grown breast. Most girls get their first period around stage 4. It can take a few years to reach stage 5.
It is very common for one breast to be bigger or shaped differently. This happens a lot while they are growing. The difference often gets smaller over time. Even grown women usually have breasts that are a little different from each other.
Breasts come in many shapes and sizes. Breast size does not affect health, chance of getting cancer, or ability to breastfeed.
Normal things that can worry you
Little bumps on the areola are normal. The areola is the darker skin around the nipple. These bumps are called Montgomery glands. They make an oil that keeps the skin soft and helps protect it from germs. Their smell may even help a newborn baby find the nipple to feed.
Hair around the nipple is normal. Flat nipples or nipples that point inward are normal too, if you have always had them. Stretch marks can show up during growth spurts, just like on hips or thighs. Breasts can also feel a little lumpy but this is normal and is just the tissue that could one day produce milk.
Breast pain
Breast pain is very common. It is usually not a sign of anything serious. Most of the time, it is caused by hormones that change during a monthly cycle. Breasts may feel sore or swollen in the days before a period. They usually feel better once a period starts. Other causes include a bra that does not fit well, exercise without a good sports bra, and birth control pills.
To feel better, wear a bra that gives good support, try a warm cloth, or take a pain medicine like ibuprofen. Ask a parent or caregiver first and follow the label.
Lumps and bumps
Finding a lump can be scary. But in young women, almost all lumps are harmless. Most are normal breast tissue. Some are cysts, which are small sacs filled with fluid. Others are fibroadenomas. These are solid lumps that are not cancer. Many of them shrink or go away on their own.
Still, tell a parent or doctor about any new lump. A doctor can check it. They may use an ultrasound. This is a painless test that uses sound waves to see inside the breast.
When to see a doctor
Most breast changes in young women are normal. But some signs mean you should see a doctor soon:
- A hard lump that does not move when you push on it
- A lump that keeps growing or is still there after the next period
- Skin on the breast that dimples, puckers, or looks like an orange peel
- A red, scaly, or crusty nipple
- A nipple that suddenly turns inward when it did not before
- Clear or bloody fluid that leaks from a nipple
- A breast that is red, hot, and swollen, or comes with a fever
If you have breasts this is what you can do now
Get to know how your breasts usually look and feel. You do not need to do a formal exam every month. Just notice if something changes. Then tell a parent or doctor.
Learning your family history is one of the most important things you can do. Ask your parents if anyone in your family has had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other cancers. Ask about both your mom’s side and your dad’s side. Share what you learn with your doctor. By age 25, your doctor can use it to decide if you need checkups earlier or more often.
You can lower your chance of getting breast cancer later in life. Stay active. Do not smoke. Avoid alcohol.
See your doctor for regular checkups. Be honest about any changes, questions, or worries. No question is too small or too embarrassing. Your doctor’s job is to help you stay healthy.