What to know about childhood breast cancer

While rare, children can still develop breast cancer, causing lumps in their upper chest. However, not every bump in the breast is cancerous.
While most breast lumps in children are benign, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if any changes in a child’s breasts occur. These changes may include a lump, thickening, pain, discharge, or skin alterations.
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook for childhood breast cancer is usually positive.
This article will review childhood breast cancer, its symptoms, its potential causes, how doctors diagnose and treat it, and the outlook for the disease.
Childhood breast cancer
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Breast cancer is extremely rare in children but possible. The most common type in children is secretory breast cancer, which mainly involves biological females, and it can have a good outlook if a doctor detects it early and with appropriate treatment.
is extremely rare
While breast cancer primarily affects biological females and risk increases with age, children can develop noncancerous breast lumps known as fibroadenomas. These are benign and do not usually cause symptoms but require monitoring. In rare cases, they may start growing and become cancerous.
increases with age
can develop
fibroadenomas
Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells, forming tumors. These tumors can spread through the body, involving other organs, and become life threatening. The most common type of breast cancer originates in milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules. It may remain contained initially, known as in situ breast cancer, allowing early detection.
can spread
However, in the later stages, cancer can spread to nearby tissues, forming lumps or thickening. Further spread to lymph nodes or other organs — metastasis — is life threatening and potentially fatal.
Learn more about breast cancer.
breast cancer
Symptoms 
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in children may include:
may include
the development of a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
changes in the breast’s size or shape
puckering on the breast skin
having an inverted nipple
nipple discharge, including blood
nipple discharge
scaly, swollen, or discolored skin on the nipple, areola, or breast
dimpled breast skin resembling an orange peel
When to contact a doctor
If a person notices any new lumps or growths on the chest of their child, or if they develop any symptoms of childhood breast cancer, they should contact a doctor. A specialist can perform the relevant tests to determine the cause of the child’s symptoms and recommend the most appropriate steps.
Receiving a diagnosis in the initial stages of cancer and starting the treatment as soon as possible can significantly improve the outlook of the disease at any age.
can significantly improve
Causes
Breast cancer in children is rare. While abnormal breast cell growth may cause it, breast tumors in children sometimes develop when cancer cells have spread from another part of the body. These secondary cancers typically originate from more common childhood cancers, such as:
such as
myeloid leukemia
myeloid leukemia
lymphoma
lymphoma
angiosarcoma
angiosarcoma
Other potential risk factors that may increase the risk of childhood breast cancer include:
include
previous chest or breast radiation treatment for another cancer
radiation treatment
family history of breast cancer, especially in parents or siblings
inherited genetic changes to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
other genetic mutations with links to breast cancer
Diagnosis
To diagnose cancer, a doctor gathers information about the child’s medical history and conducts a thorough physical examination. If the symptoms suggest a cancerous condition, the doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
may order
X-rays
MRI
CT scans
The specialist may also perform a biopsy, collecting a sample of liquid or tissue from the lump in the chest if there is one. They will then send the sample for laboratory testing to determine if cancer cells are present or if the lump is benign.
biopsy
Treatment
Treatment for childhood breast cancer varies on the basis of the specific tumor type. Benign fibroadenomas, the most common breast lumps in children, may require no treatment and disappear independently. However, regular monitoring is essential to detect any changes.
on the basis of
Malignant breast cancer in children needs comprehensive treatment from a pediatric oncology team. Treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapies tailored to the child’s symptoms and overall health conditions. This usually includes a combination of surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
typically involve
Sometimes, doctors may use new targeted drug therapies that attack cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. However, these treatments are in their early stages and may not be suitable or safe for every type of cancer.
may use
Outlook
The most common causes of breast lumps in children are fibroadenomas. These may disappear independently, but regular check-ups are essential to monitor any changes and ensure they are not growing and becoming cancerous.
The most common causes
The outlook for children with breast cancer is generally positive, especially with early detection and after receiving appropriate treatment. Around 87 in 100 children with breast cancer survive. Similar to other childhood cancers, survival rates have significantly improved over the years.
Around 87 in 100
Prevention
Unlike adults, children do not typically undergo routine cancer screenings. This is because childhood cancers are relatively rare and there is no standard screening method for children without increased risk factors.
are relatively rare
However, this changes for children with a family history of cancer or specific genetic mutations that may increase their risk of developing cancer during childhood. These children may require closer medical monitoring, including specialized genetic tests or screening exams, to detect early signs of cancer.
Childhood cancer support
Many charities and nonprofit organizations offer support and resources to children with cancer and their loved ones, including:
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
The American Childhood Cancer Organization
The American Childhood Cancer Organization
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Solving Kids’ Cancer
Solving Kids’ Cancer
Summary
Breast cancer in children is rare. Most breast lumps in children are benign growths known as fibroadenomas, which do not usually require treatment but simple monitoring. However, in some cases, these lumps can be cancerous.
The main treatment options for childhood breast cancer include surgery or radiation therapy. With an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook for childhood breast cancer is generally positive.