Many reports and surveys have concluded that developing breast cancer in teens is very rare. According to a survey in the United States between 2012 and 2016, the incidence rate of breast cancer in 15 to 19-year-olds was 0.1 in 100,000. This means 1 teen in 1 million will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While the risk of developing breast cancer early in life is low, the National Cancer Institute says that a small number of patients, less than 2% are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 34. Can Breast Cancer In Teens Go Unidentified?Changes in your breasts as you enter your teenage years are normal. This is also the phase when your hormones are constantly increasing or decreasing and making your breasts tender. These hormones can also cause you to feel thickening and even some lumps and bumps. However, cancer is not likely in teens, though due to such common symptoms, cases of cancer may be dismissed. As it can be easily confused with hormonal shifts a teenager goes through during puberty. Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In TeensIt is important to know the difference between usual hormonal changes and its impact on breasts and a lump that may be cancerousIt feels hardIt seems fixed to the chest wall and does not move aroundThe size could range from the size of a pea to several inches in diameterIt may be painfulNipple discharge is also a symptom of breast cancer, however it is not very common among teens. What Can Cause Breast Cancer In Teens?Though it has not been studied much, it is believed that changes in cells and DNA that occur in early life could be the reason behind teen breast cancer. The American Cancer Society also notes that environmental and lifestyle factors, including smoking or eating certain foods, can also increase the risk of breast cancer among teens. Some research also suggests that hormonal birth control can also increase the risk of breast cancer. However, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre noted that despite hormonal birth control, the overall cancer risk among teens remains low. However, another 2014 study found that the use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of breast cancer in people under 25 years old, who have the BRCA gene mutation. What Are BRCA Mutations?Cells that grow too fast or when the DNA is damaged, proteins called tumor suppressor proteins step in to address these problems. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are the genes that code these tumor suppressor proteins. This means the mutation can cause the body to build or fold these proteins incorrectly, which prevents it from doing its job. While these mutations are uncommon, they may be inherited. Common Breast Lumps In TeensThe most common breast cancer found in teens is secretory adenocarcinoma. This is slow-growing and non-aggressive cancer. Other common lumps are fibroadenomas, which are non-cancerous. An overgrowth of connective tissue in the breast can cause this. It accounts for 91% of all solid breast masses in women younger than 19-years-old. Other common lumps in teens include cysts, which are non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs.