can you get brest cancer under the age of 16?

Whilst I think you can, I have only read about one case under 20 and i think she was 19. It’s rare under the age of 30, pretty rare under 40, fairly rare under 50. In fact eight out of ten cases are in women over aged 50 years old. As far as I remember only one in a hundred women aged 30 to 40 get it, and it’s less than that for women under 30.

Mole

Hi Ashy,

I don’t know what all the facts and figures are but there is a helpline number on this website that you could ring for advice.

Sounds like something is worrying you and it may help to share your worries…perhaps with your mum, sister, friend etc and your GP is always there for help and advice and you can always take somebody with you for a bit of support…

Hope everything is ok.

Deb xx

Hi Ashy,
You may find it reassuring to know that breast cancer is only possible
when the breasts are fully developed (around the age of 17).

Breast cancer is not common in women in their 20’s and 30’s, but is seen
more commonly in women over the age of 50.

You say in your post that the lump you can feel is under your arm, there
are many reasons why lumps can appear under the arm, in the armpit
(axilla), these can be infection, or a benign lump, that is a
non-cancerous lump.

I would suggest seeing your GP, or practice nurse about the lump you
have felt for further examination and advice as to what is causing the
lump. If you need any treatment they will be able to discuss this with
you.

You may also find it interesting to read a teenage breast health leaflet
called ‘Bosom buddies’, which offers information on looking after and
caring for your breasts.

You can request a leaflet by contacting our freephone helpline on 0808
800 6000, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

You are also welcome to contact our helpline to talk with one of the
nurses or trained helpliners about any concerns or questions you might
have.

Best wishes
Tara
Clinical Nurse specialist

Hi Ashy
I’m 52 now and have the real thing, but had a lump in (the other) breast when i was 16…it was removed, and turned out to be a cyst… i remember being very worried…but the surgeon told my mum it was very common for 16 year olds to have these cysts, but what i did do, was go straight to my mum when i found it and she took me to the doctor almost immediately - he was pretty sure it was OK, but forwarded me onwards for surgery.
Please talk to someone hon
Jan