Q: My breasts have two lumps on the top. They are hard and painful. I already have my first period. I am 13 years old, could it be breast cancer?

A: We are glad that you wrote to TeenGrowth, since finding a lump in the breast is a scary thing for any woman at any age to deal with. The good news for you is that at age 13 it is almost certain that your lumps are not breast cancer. Breast cancer is extremely rare in teenagers. And even in young adult women age 25-30, though still rare, breast cancer if it does occur would usually present as a single, painless lump in one breast.

At puberty it is much more likely that your hard, painful lumps are simple cysts that can occur due to the hormone changes related to your menstrual cycle. These harmless cysts will usually get smaller after your period and resolve by themselves within several months. If they do not get smaller and go away within three months, then make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup. Don't hesitate to ask your health provider any questions you have about the lumps or any other concerns about your growth and development.

Meanwhile, if you can, talk to your mom or another trusted adult family member about what you have noticed. Perhaps other women if your family have had similar problems. For the discomfort, wear a well-fitted bra and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if needed, for pain.

To have TeenGrowth's board of physicians answer your health question, visit the Web site (http://www.teengrowth.com) or e-mail feedback@teengrowth.com. TeenGrowth is a non-commercial Internet site that focuses exclusively on the educational health issues of adolescents.