At a routine OB appmt I mentioned that I had a lump in my breast. After an exam the doctor said that it was probably a clogged milk duct and she recommended to try a hot pack or warm water in the shower to try and loosen it up. She thought it was highly unlikely that it was breast cancer because of my age and because I had no family history of breast cancer. I asked for an ultrasound anyway to be on the safe side. 2 months later I had an ultrasound, which turned into a same-day biopsy since the doctor couldn't really tell what he was looking at. A week later I was diagnosed with ductal cell carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which meant that the breast cancer was in the milk duct, stage 0 cancer. Following my mastectomy a tissue analysis found that I actually had small amounts (2 mm) of invasive breast cancer, stage 1. I think that awareness is important even for young women. All of the doctors that I saw made a comment about me being too young. There is no such thing. Be aware of your body and any changes that might occur. No one can be too safe.
I have been cancer free for 1 full year now....hopefully many more.
Los Angeles, CA