Breast cancer survivorship in children

Overview

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control. It is extremely rare in children, but when it happens, survivorship care focuses on the child's health after treatment, helping them grow and thrive while monitoring for any long-term effects.

No. Breast cancer in children is very rare, affecting fewer than 1 in 1 million children. Most breast lumps in children are benign (not cancer).

It mostly affects adolescent girls, though it can occasionally affect boys. The risk is much higher in adults over 50, but this information focuses on the rare cases in children.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new hard lump in the breast or under the armpit
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Skin dimpling, redness, or discharge from the nipple

Symptoms in children

• The same symptoms as adults, but a breast lump in a child is usually a harmless glandular growth.
• Breast pain alone is very unlikely to be cancer.
• Any new lump should be checked by a doctor, especially if it does not go away after a few weeks.

Symptoms in older adults

• A persistent lump or thickening in the breast
• Changes to the nipple, such as turning inward
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
• Skin that is flaky, red, or thickened in the breast area

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of breast cancer in children is unknown.
• Some cases are linked to inherited genetic changes.
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest for another cancer can increase risk.

Risk factors

• Genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary breast cancer genes
• Family history of breast cancer at a young age
• Prior chest radiation treatment for another condition

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child finds a new lump that is growing or does not go away
• If there is discharge from the nipple, skin curling, or a breast that looks different from the other
• If your child is undergoing cancer treatment and develops a fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• Follow-up appointments with the oncology team are essential after treatment ends.
• Once a year, check in with your family doctor for a general health review.

Diagnosis

To diagnose breast cancer, a doctor will first ask about symptoms and family history, then examine the breast. If a lump feels suspicious, they will order imaging tests and a biopsy.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound of the breast (uses sound waves to create a picture)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if more detail is needed
• A biopsy, where a small piece of the lump is taken with a needle and checked under a microscope
• Blood tests to check general health

What to expect at your appointment

If your child is referred to a specialist centre, you will meet a team that includes a surgeon, oncologist, nurses, and a psychologist. All tests are explained in a child-friendly way, and you will have plenty of time for questions.

Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer in children uses a combination of approaches chosen by a specialist team. The plan depends on the type, stage, and the child's overall health. The goal is to cure the cancer while protecting growth and development.

Self-care at home

• Support your child with plenty of rest and gentle play.
• Keep a diary of symptoms and questions to bring to appointments.
• Encourage your child to talk about feelings and worries.

Medical treatments

The main treatments are surgery, chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells), radiation therapy (high-energy rays), and sometimes hormone-blocking medicines. The exact medicines depend on the child's individual case and are always explained by the care team.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be used to remove the tumour. In children, the surgeon will always try to save as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Very rarely, a whole breast may need to be removed if the tumour is large.

Living with this condition

After treatment, life slowly returns to a new normal. Your child may need extra rest, but most children go back to school and activities within weeks or months. Regular check-ups are part of life and usually become less frequent over time.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage moderate physical activity your child enjoys.
• Keep up with school and friendships, allowing extra support when needed.
• Maintain a calm home environment with open conversations.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet, but a balanced diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein helps healing. Light exercise like dancing or walking can boost energy and mood. Avoid overeating processed foods and sugary drinks.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming for a child and family. It is normal to feel fear, sadness, anger, or anxiety. Ask your care team for a child psychologist or counsellor who specialises in cancer survivorship.

Prevention

Because breast cancer in children is very rare and often linked to genetics, there is no reliable way to prevent it. For children who have already had cancer, the focus is on preventing recurrence with careful follow-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• The cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become harder to treat.
• A growing tumour can cause pain and affect the shape of the breast.
• Untreated cancer may affect a child's growth and well-being over time.

Long-term outlook

Many children treated for breast cancer stay cancer-free and live full, healthy lives. Because the number of cases is so small, exact statistics are hard to give, but early diagnosis and modern treatment have good outcomes. Survivorship care helps detect any problems early and keeps hope strong.

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