Breast Cancer in Children: What You Need to Know

Hearing the words “breast cancer” and “children” in the same sentence is enough to make any parent’s heart drop.
The first thing you should know, though, is this: breast cancer in children is extremely rare.
Most breast lumps in kids and teens are not cancer and turn out to be benign (noncancerous) conditions like
fibroadenomas or simple developmental changes.

Still, when you find a lump in your child’s breast or notice a change in how their chest looks, it’s totally normal
to feel anxious. This guide breaks down what’s common, what’s rare, what to watch for, and how doctors evaluate and
treat breast problems in children and adolescents. Think of it as a calm, fact-based conversation with a side of gentle
reassurance.

As always, this article is for information only and doesn’t replace medical advice. If you’re worried
about your child, it’s never “overreacting” to call their doctor.

How Rare Is Breast Cancer in Children?

When doctors talk about “childhood cancer,” they’re usually referring to leukemia, brain tumors, and some types of
solid tumorsnot breast cancer. Breast cancer is overwhelmingly a disease of adults. In fact, even in teenagers,
breast cancer is extremely rare, with estimates around 1 in 1,000,000 teens between 15 and 19 years
old being diagnosed.

Studies of breast lesions in children and adolescents show that:

Most breast masses in young people are benign.
Fibroadenomas (smooth, rubbery lumps) make up roughly 90–95% of all breast tumors in this age group.
Malignant (cancerous) breast tumors in children and adolescents are described as “extremely rare.”

So yes, childhood breast cancer existsbut it is far from common. The challenge is that you can’t tell just by looking
or feeling whether a lump is harmless or not. That’s why any persistent lump or worrisome change deserves a professional
evaluation.

Normal Breast Development in Children and Teens

Before jumping to worst-case scenarios, it helps to understand what “normal” looks like. Breast tissue is dynamicit
grows, changes, and sometimes feels lumpy or tender, especially during puberty.

Key points about normal breast development:

Breast buds (small, firm bumps under the nipple) often appear between ages 8 and 13, sometimes earlier or later.
Breasts can be asymmetric (one side larger than the other); this is very common and usually normal.
Hormone shifts during puberty and menstrual cycles can cause tenderness, swelling, and lumpiness.

All of these changes can be confusing and even a little alarming for kids and parents. But most are part of normal
development, not cancer.

Most Breast Lumps in Children Are Not Cancer

Let’s talk about the usual suspects when a child or teen has a lump in the breast area.

Fibroadenomas

A fibroadenoma is a benign (noncancerous) breast tumor made of glandular and fibrous tissue. It’s the
most common solid breast mass in adolescents.

Typical features of fibroadenomas:

Feels like a smooth, rubbery, well-defined lump under the skin.
Usually moves a bit when pushed.
Is usually painless, though it can be tender around periods.
Often stays the same size or slowly shrinks; some disappear on their own.

Many fibroadenomas can simply be watched with regular exams and sometimes ultrasound rather than removed right away.
Surgery may be considered if the lump grows quickly, becomes very large, or causes distress.

Cysts and Infections

Fluid-filled cysts and breast infections (mastitis or abscesses) can also create lumps.

Cysts can feel like soft or firm, sometimes tender lumps and may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle.
Infections can cause a painful, red, warm area under or around the nipple; sometimes there’s fever or
discharge if an abscess forms.

Breast infections in children are usually treated with antibiotics and, if needed, drainage of any abscess by a surgeon
or interventional radiologist.

Hormonal Changes and Gynecomastia in Boys

Boys aren’t off the hook from breast issues. During puberty, many boys develop gynecomastiatemporary
breast enlargement caused by shifting hormone levels.

It often shows up as a firm, rubbery disk of tissue under one or both nipples.
It can be tender but usually isn’t dangerous.
It commonly goes away on its own within months to a couple of years.

Gynecomastia can be emotionally tough for boys, but it is rarely related to cancer. Any hard, fixed, or unusual lump
should still be checked, especially if only on one side.

When Could a Lump Be Breast Cancer in a Child?

While remarkably rare, breast cancer in children and adolescents does happen. The types seen in this age group
are often different from the typical adult breast cancers.

Some types of malignant breast tumors that can occur in young people include:

Secretory (juvenile) carcinoma – a rare cancer that often presents as a slow-growing, usually painless lump.
Malignant phyllodes tumors – rare tumors that can grow quickly and may behave aggressively.
Other rare carcinoma types that are more commonly seen in adults.

Possible warning signs (in any age, including older children and teens) include:

A hard, irregular lump that doesn’t move easily and persists or grows.
Changes in breast shape or size unrelated to normal growth.
Skin changes on the breast: dimpling, thickening, or redness.
Nipple changes: inversion (pulling inward), scaling, or crusting.
Unusual nipple discharge, especially bloody or pus-like fluid.
Swelling in the underarm lymph nodes.

These signs don’t automatically mean cancer, but they are definitely reasons to call your child’s healthcare provider.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Children

Unlike adult breast cancer, where age, long-term hormone exposure, obesity, and lifestyle factors play large roles,
breast cancer in children often has no clear cause.

Some known or suspected risk factors include:

Genetic syndromes (for example, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, certain inherited mutations)
that increase the risk of multiple cancers, including breast tumors.
Prior chest radiation for childhood cancers such as Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly when given at a
young age.
Very strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, especially at young ages.

Even in these higher-risk groups, breast cancer in prepubertal children is still rarebut doctors may recommend closer
follow-up and earlier or more frequent imaging once the child is older.

How Doctors Evaluate a Breast Lump in a Child

If your child’s doctor evaluates a breast lump, they’re trying to answer a few key questions:

Is this likely a normal developmental change?
Is it a benign condition that can be watched?
Is there any hint this could be cancer or a tumor that needs removal?

The evaluation usually includes:

1. History and Physical Exam

How long has the lump been there?
Has it changed in size?
Is there pain, redness, or nipple discharge?
Any fevers, weight loss, or other symptoms?
Is there a family history of breast or other cancers?

The doctor will carefully examine both breasts and the underarm areas to check the lump’s size, texture, and mobility.

2. Imaging (Usually Ultrasound)

Ultrasound is the go-to imaging test for kids and teens. It uses sound waves, not radiation, to look
at the breast tissue and distinguish solid from fluid-filled lumps.

Mammograms are rarely needed in younger patients, since their breast tissue is denser and they’re more sensitive to
radiation. Sometimes, MRI is used in complex cases or in children with very high genetic risk.

3. Biopsy (If Needed)

If imaging or the physical exam suggests something suspicious, the doctor may recommend a biopsy, where
a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Types include:

Core needle biopsy – a common choice, done with a needle and local anesthesia.
Surgical (excisional) biopsy – removing all or most of the lump in the operating room.

In children, surgeons and radiologists work to balance getting enough tissue to make an accurate diagnosis while
protecting the developing breast as much as possible.

Treatment Options if Breast Cancer Is Found

Because breast cancer is so rare in children, treatment is usually managed by a team that includes pediatric oncologists,
surgeons, and other specialists. The approach depends on the type and stage of the cancer.

Possible treatments may include:

Surgery – often the main treatment. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, surgeons may remove
just the tumor (lumpectomy) or more breast tissue. They aim to preserve breast shape and growth when possible.
Lymph node evaluation – such as sentinel lymph node biopsy, to check whether the cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy – drugs that circulate through the bloodstream to attack cancer cells, used for certain
types or stages of cancer.
Radiation therapy – carefully considered in children because it can affect growth and long-term
health; used only when the benefits clearly outweigh risks.
Targeted or hormonal therapy – in select cases, depending on the tumor’s specific biology.

Some pediatric breast cancers, such as secretory carcinoma, often have a relatively good prognosis when treated early.
Others can behave more aggressively. This is why care at a center with pediatric cancer expertise is so important.

Emotional Support: Helping Your Child and Yourself

Even if a lump turns out to be benign, the process of imaging, biopsies, or just waiting for results can be incredibly
stressful. For children, the experience can be scary and confusing; for parents, it can be emotionally draining.

Some strategies that can help:

Use age-appropriate language. Explain tests and procedures honestly but in a way your child can
handle. “The doctor is going to take pictures of the inside of your chest with a special camera” can be less scary
than medical jargon.
Validate their feelings. It’s okay for kids to feel scared, angry, or embarrassed. Let them know
those feelings are normal.
Bring comfort items. A favorite hoodie, stuffed animal, or playlist can make hospital visits less
overwhelming.
Ask about mental health support. Many hospitals have child life specialists, social workers, or
counselors who are trained to support families during medical crises.

And don’t forget about you: parents and caregivers need support, too. Lean on friends, family, support groups, or
online communities, and consider speaking with a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Common Questions Parents Ask

“Should my child do breast self-exams?”

Traditional monthly breast self-exams are no longer recommended even for most adults. Instead, experts emphasize
breast awarenessknowing what’s normal for your body so you’re more likely to notice a change.

For older children and teens, you can encourage them to:

Speak up if they feel a new lump or notice a change.
Tell a trusted adult if they see nipple discharge, skin changes, or ongoing pain in one spot.

“If my child had cancer treatment in the past, are they at higher risk?”

Some childhood cancer survivorsparticularly those who had radiation to the chest at a young agedo have
an increased risk of developing breast cancer earlier in life.

In those cases, doctors often recommend:

Earlier and more frequent screening in late adolescence or young adulthood.
Regular follow-up at a survivorship clinic that understands long-term late effects.

“When should I call the doctor?”

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you notice:

A lump that lasts more than a few weeks or is growing.
One breast suddenly looking very different from the other (not just gradual asymmetry).
Redness, warmth, or severe pain in the breast.
Nipple discharge that’s bloody, yellow, or pus-like.
Swelling in the underarm area or unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

It’s always better to get checked and be told “it’s benign” than to stay stuck in worry mode.

Real-Life Experiences and Practical Tips from Families

While childhood breast cancer is rare, stories from families who have faced breast lumps and breast tumors in children
can offer perspective, validation, and hope. The examples below are composite stories based on common patterns reported
by families and cliniciansthey’re not specific individuals, but they reflect real-world experiences.

“We Found a Lump in the Shower” – The Surprise Fibroadenoma

Emma was 13 when she noticed a small, firm bump under her left nipple while showering. At first, she didn’t say
anything because she thought, “Maybe that’s just puberty being weird.” After a week of worrying in silence, she told
her mom, who immediately made an appointment with their pediatrician.

The doctor examined Emma and ordered an ultrasound. The imaging showed a smooth, oval-shaped, well-defined mass that
looked exactly like a benign fibroadenoma. The radiologist and surgeon agreed there was no sign of anything more
serious. Emma’s family opted for “watchful waiting”they monitored the lump with follow-up ultrasounds every few
months. Over a year, the lump stayed the same size and eventually started to shrink.

For Emma and her parents, the hardest part wasn’t the lump itself; it was the fear before they knew
what it was. What helped them most was having a pediatric team that explained everything in plain language, answered
every question, and never made them feel silly for being worried.

“We Thought It Was an Infection, But It Was More” – A Rare Pediatric Cancer

Noah, a 10-year-old boy, developed a small lump near his nipple. At first, his parents assumed it was just some
hormonal change or maybe a minor infection. When the lump kept growing over a few months and didn’t respond to
antibiotics, their pediatrician sent them to a pediatric surgeon and oncologist.

An ultrasound and core needle biopsy eventually revealed a rare diagnosis: secretory breast carcinoma,
a type of breast cancer that can appear in children and is often slow-growing. Noah underwent surgery to remove the
tumor with a margin of healthy tissue. After a detailed review, his care team decided that he did not need chemotherapy
or radiation but would require close long-term follow-up.

Noah’s parents described the experience as “living on a roller coaster,” but they also emphasized how critical it was
to be referred to a pediatric cancer center. There, they met specialists who had actually seen this rare condition
before, and they were connected with social workers, school liaisons, and child life staff who helped them navigate
both the medical system and daily life.

What Families Say Helps Most

When parents and caregivers talk about what helped them through a breast lump scare or a childhood breast cancer
diagnosis, a few themes keep coming up:

Getting clear, honest information. Not knowing can be worse than bad news. Families appreciate
doctors who are transparent about what they know and what they don’t know yet.
Having a point person. Many families benefit from having one main doctor or nurse who coordinates
tests, calls with updates, and helps interpret the many notes and reports.
Keeping school and routines going, as much as possible. Kids feel safer when parts of their normal
lifefriends, hobbies, even homeworkremain intact.
Connecting with other parents. Online communities and in-person support groups can provide
practical advice (“Here’s what to pack for a long clinic day”) and emotional solidarity.
Taking care of siblings. Brothers and sisters often sense stress even if they don’t know all the
details. Including them at an age-appropriate level and giving them chances to ask questions can ease jealousy or
fear.

Many parents also say that, over time, their child’s health scare changed how the family viewed health and life in
general. They became more comfortable talking about bodies, symptoms, and mental healthand more likely to seek help
early instead of “waiting it out” in silence.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer in children is very rare, but breast lumps and breast changes in kids and teens are
surprisingly commonand usually benign. The goal isn’t to panic about every bump; it’s to pay attention,
get things checked, and follow through with recommended tests.

If you notice a lump, a change in your child’s breast or chest, or symptoms that worry you, trust your instincts and
call their doctor. With thoughtful evaluation, appropriate imaging, and expert care, most breast problems in children
can be managed effectivelyand in the rare cases where cancer is found, early diagnosis gives your child the best
possible chance at a good outcome.