Are teenage girls at the risk of breast cancer?
Breast is either of the two soft, protruding organs on the upper front of a woman’s body which secretes milk after childbirth.
The human body is made of tiny building blocks called cells.
The human body creates these cells and when these cells dies they are replaced with new ones.
The body creates healthy normal cells but if a cell changes into an abnormal (sometimes harmful) form , it can then divide rapidly without dying creating replicas of itself. When this happens , a tumor, abnormal body cells grouped together in the form of a mass or lump can start to grow
.
Breast cancer is a typical form of malignant tumor that develops in the breast. Breast cancer is dreaded by every woman as it is the second leading cause to impose death on women.
Breast cancer is a kind of tumor that develops in the cell of a person’s breast.
Developing breast cancer as a teenager is very rare. Breast cancer is not common among women between their 20’s and 30’s.Majority of breast cancer patients are between 45 -50 and above.
Symptoms of breast cancer in teenage girls.
1. Cancerous Lump in the breast2. Bloody discharge from the nipple
3. Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
4. Changes to the skin over the breast
5. Flaking or peeling of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple
6. Nipple inverting
7. Skin irritation around the breast
8. Nipple discharge that is not milk
9. Enlarged lymph node
Risk factors associated with breast cancer in teens
1. Being female- women are at higher risk of developing breast cancer than males. One out of every ten women in America is a victim of breast cancer2. Increasing Age- with the rising of age, the risk f breast cancer in female increases
3. Family history of breast cancer- if any member of your family as suffered from breast cancer as a teenager then the teenager may be at risk
4. Radiation exposure- if a teenager is exposed to excessive radiation, the teenager might be at risk
5. Periods at a younger age- when a teenager has an early onset of menstruation , probably before the age of 12, the teenager might be at risk
6. Alcohol and smoking- if a teenager is addicted to smoking and drinking, the risk of her developing breast cancer is higher.
7. Obesity – overweight or obesity increases a teenager’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Preventing breast cancer risk in teens
1. Examine your breasts to detect the presence of abnormalities or lumps. If there is any abnormal growth or discharge, consult your doctor immediately.
2. Avoid Alcohol- excessive intake of alcohol triggers the risk of developing breast cancer. So its best to avoid alcohol
3. Exercise daily- exercise helps in the removal of harmful toxins from the body and boosts the immune system.
4. Maintain a healthy body weight
5. Choose a healthy diet.
6. Manage stress- find right solutions to mange stress. Get the right counselor and adopt positive hobbies like reading, volunteering , singing , cooking , etc
NOTE: the teenager is in a growth of stage, there are bound to be changes in the breast of the teenager. These changes are not harmful or poses ant risk. They are normal.
Throughout puberty, the teenager will experience changes in her breast.Breast lumps in teenagers.
The first change in the breast is the development of a very small bump under the nipple. The breast may feel a little itchy or achy.
It can be normal to feel lumps when your breasts are developing and these often disappear on their own.
Breast lumps that are not cancer are cysts (fluid –filled lumps or sacs) or they can be normal breast changes associated with hormonal transformation.
Painful breasts
It is normal for breasts to feel uncomfortable and painful at times. Breast pain can be mild pain, sharp pain, .and stabbing, burning sensation.
For some people breast pain is affected by changing hormone levels; the pain is at its worst just before a period.
Let your doctor know if you find a lump or pain that you are not so sure about.
