Feb
Ok, I'm 18 and I’ve a ton of lumps in my breasts, and I've had them for at least 2 years. There are small tiny hard ones, and longer bumpy ones, and they're all over my breasts. I've checked the web, and I don't have the pinched-looking skin or anything noticeable on the skin at all.
Lately though I've noticed my nipples have been really white, as if it's milk in the ducts or something? I'm definitely not pregnant, and the milk doesn't come out or anything, it just makes my nipples really white. So idkk.
I would go get them checked, but I don't have health insurance or money.
Do you think I’ve cancer?
Answer:
No, I don't think you do.
First, breast cancer in someone your age is almost unheard of. 80% of those diagnosed are over 50 and less than 0.1% of those diagnosed are under 30, and it's almost unknown in people under 20.
The American Cancer Society and other cancer organisations suggest that women begin breast self examination at the age of 20.
And over two years cancerous breast lumps would have grown. The fact that you have them in both breasts makes it even less likely that this is anything sinister.
Most breast lumps, even in women over 50, aren't cancerous. Many women have naturally lumpy breasts
So… you are in the age group least apt to get breast cancer and you don't really have any symptoms.
But if you continue to worry, then see a doctor. S/he will very likely be able to reassure you without the need for tests, but if you were referred for tests you nearly certainly wouldn't have a mammogram as some here have advised you to; young women's breast tissue is to dense for a mammogram to be useful or reliable
Answer:
Well, it depends on if you think you've had these lumps forever. For instance, did you just begin checking your breasts when you were 16 (2 years ago?). If so, it probably is just that your breasts are lumpy, which is VERY normal. Some girls have lumpy feeling breasts, some don't. Like the other said, if you had cancer, you would know by now I think. You should keep feeling them, each month, after your period ends and see if there’s any change. If they feel lumpy month after month, then that's just the way they were built.
Answer:
You said you've had it for 2 years so i don't think its cancer otherwise you would of known by now BUT in saying that, lumps in the breast are not a good sign at all and could be something else would could lead to health complications along the line…ideal thing to do is save up a bit of cash and go to the physician and see what he says. You really need basic health insurance so try applying.
Answer:
I have cancer and I HATE cancer! Quit making excuses and rationalizing. Get to a clinic and have yourself checked out. Are you sure you aren't just afraid of getting bad news? I know I was before I got my check-up finally and in my case I had waited too long. You’re young and have a lot of life ahead of you so wouldn't it be great if you went to the local health department and got the lumps checked only to find out you’ve nothing to worry about? Go do it! No excuses! You CAN get it done for free!
Answer:
there are free womens clinics and your local health department. there is no excuse not to get these things checked out. what if you do have cancer or something else that will threaten to take your life if not treated? you can not be refused medical care for lack of money or insurance. i hope you’ll be ok.
Answer:
Are you on birth control pills? those can make the breast lumpy. If you are I would suggest you come off them and find an alternative non-hormonal form of birth control. Go to the free woman's clinic in your area and get yourself looked at.
Answer:
you can go to planned parenthood, and if you don't have insurance or money, they can see you anyway and offer you a reasonable price
Answer:
Call the American Cancer Society and ask them for help. They do free mammos and screens for people.
Answer:
Go to Planned Parenthood. They offer low or no-cost exams. If you’re ever concerned about something like this, get it checked. If nothing else, you will have superior peace of mind, and it's important to be responsible for your own health and be pro-active.
You’re very young, and it is doubtful that you have cancer, but it isn’t impossible. Also, at your age, the breasts change as you grow so this white nipple thing may just be a normal part of that.
Lumpy breasts are very common and quite normal for many women (including myself). It is called “Fibro-cystic” breast. The key thing is to check your breasts regularly, after your period (have them show you how to do this at your physician visit). Usually the lumpiness is worse before your period, and gets superior afterwards. Over time, you’ll learn what “normal” feels like.
It is important to note that as you get older and start going for screening mammograms, that fibro-cystic breasts are often too dense for a mammogram to adequately read, therefore you may want to get Digital Mammograms done in the future. Also, be sure to mention this to your future OBGYNs.
Best of luck, and try not to worry too much. Just get them checked!