Breast Cancer Advice Center | Breast Cancer Awareness Knowledge Base

Breast cancer awareness... help?

I am 16 years old... I have felt something like a "knot" on my right outter breast near my arm. It feels as if there is one similar to it on the other side. My breasts feel somewhat sore too... I know I am young and do not know much about breast cancer but could you please help me

Public Comments

It's extremely rare for someone as young as you are to have breast cancer. Many women have naturally lumpy breasts, and most breast lumps are not cancerous.

Your sore breasts are probably hormonal - is your period due? Although a cancerous breast lump can be painful, most are not and a general soreness of the breasts is not a sign of breast cancer.

You need to have your fears put to rest though, so please see a doctor or your school nurse if you have one. Don't worry, they hear concerns like this all the time.

You are wise to breast aware, and should begin regular self-examination in a few years.

The signs and symptoms of possible breast cancer are:

change in size - one breast may have become noticeably larger or lower

nipple change - if it becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes its position or shape

rash - on or around the nipple

discharge - from one or both nipples

puckering or dimpling - around nipple

swelling – in your armpit or around your collarbone (from lymph nodes)

lump or thickening - that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue

constant pain - in one part of your breast or in your armpit.

But remember that most breast lumps are benign, and breast cancer at your age is EXTREMELY rare.
I'm a year younger than you but the best thing you could do is ask your mom to take you to a walk in clinic or make an appointment with you doctor. if you feel embarassed to be taken by your mother, find a good friend whose older. if you really can't go to the hospital, your best bet would be to ask the school nurse.
also, i think if the edges of that bump you feel is round, it's benign.