How concerned should I be?

[Alex84]

I have a girlfriend who is 18, and i've recently noticed that she has quite a few lumps (around 2 to 3) in each of her breasts. Each one is fairly large and closer to the core of her body than the mid to outer region of her breasts. I know 18 is extremely young for breast cancer, it's just that it runs in her family. Her mother died from breast cancer and a large portion of other women on both her mothers side had it.

How concerned should i be?

[Dennis MD]

Hi Alex.
I agree with the previous posts.  Though the lumps in both breasts can be a result of hormonal changes in her body, she should have it checked.  It is not common for an 18 year old female to develop breast cancer.  However, a strong family history of breast cancer places one at an increased risk.  There is such a thing as hereditary breast cancer.    
Regards

[japdip]

Hi Alex ... with her family history she really should see her family Dr. for a clinical breast exam. More than likely considering her age these lumps are benign in nature but NOTHING new should ever be ignored. Her Dr. may very well order a Mammogram to have as a baseline or maybe not if he/she is certain after examination that the lumps are related to hormonal changes in the body. This is a common occurance in women of such a young age. Regards..

[mamaboulet]

At her age, it is probably fibroadenoma, but with her family history, she should have it checked anyway.

[Alex84]

"women on her mothers side had it"****** (edit)